Data Abundance Will Spur Mobile Innovations,Say Stakeholders

STAKEHOLDERS in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria have said that the abundance of data is very critical for mobile innovations and investment to thrive in the country.

Speaking at the Nigeria Mobile Economy Dialogue with the theme: ‘”Growing the Nigerian Economy through Mobile Innovations and Investment”, the stakeholders said that the country needs data for the economy to grow.

Delivery a keynote address at the event, Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, said that the growth of the Nigerian economy through mobile innovations and investment require a concerted efforts of both the private and public sector saying that a private/public partnership is the most effective way to successfully sustain innovations and investment growth in the telecoms industry.

He disclosed that since government is mindful of the role of data in mobile innovation and investment, it decided to suspend the proposed data tax adding that “the operators will maintain the status until the conclusion of the study to determine retail prices for the broadband and data services in Nigeria is achieved with the relevant stakeholders and the National Assembly.”

Shittu noted that the decision to have a price floor was primarily to promote a level playing field for all operators in the industry, encourage small operators and new entrants adding that it was meant to check anti-competitive practices by dominant operators.

Chairman of the Smart City Innovation Hub, Mr. Demola Aladekomo while giving an insight into the project said that data is a key driver of the project, saying that upon completion in the Lekki-Epe corridor of Lagos, the hub will achieve the concept of work, live and play within the same environment.

Aladekomo disclosed that the Zinox Group has already acquired a large expanse of land in the city, saying that the hub is an A-grade technology development infrastructure which will prime the local technology industry for global competitiveness, galvanizing it from crass consumerism towards innovation and world class manufacturing standards.

He added that upon completion, it has the potential to create about 50,000 direct employments in its first five years noting that the SmartCity Innovation Hub will engender economic diversification and will move Nigeria towards a knowledge-based economy birthing a prosperous, productive and innovative nation.

Executive Director, Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development, CECAD, Dr. Bayero Agabi disclosed in his welcome address that despite the economic recession, the mobile ecosystem is growing consistently giving hope and platform for entrepreneurs, young or old male and female opportunity to create and innovative services and products.

He said that the event was put together by CECAD because mobile technology plays a central role in addressing a range of socio-economic developmental challenges across Nigeria, particularly digital and financial inclusion.

“This will drive economic and infrastructure development, increasing productivity and employment across the economy, as well as improving access to vital services such as education and healthcare”, he said.