In a strategic move to bolster the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape in Nigeria, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has formally requested Nokia Networks to augment its investments in Research and Development (R&D).
According to an official statement released by Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Dr. Maida conveyed this request during a recent visit by a delegation from Nokia Networks of Finland. The delegation, led by Jarno Syrjala, the Deputy Minister and Under-Secretary of State for International Trade from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, aimed to explore avenues for fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
Dr. Maida underscored the Nigerian government’s keen interest in leveraging Nokia’s technological prowess through knowledge transfer to empower the country’s youth with technical skills. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to advancing the digital economy, he articulated the goal of training three million youths in ICT skills, with a focus on employment opportunities.
“The Ministry is targeting three million youths for skills acquisition,” affirmed the EVC, highlighting the government’s dedication to equipping the younger generation with essential digital skills.
Recognizing Research and Development as a cornerstone of any knowledge economy and catalyst for innovation, Dr. Maida urged Nokia Networks and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to explore R&D opportunities in Nigeria. The objective is to deepen local content development and foster technological advancement within the country.
Jarno Syrjala, commending Dr. Maida on his appointment as Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator by President Bola Tinubu, conveyed the purpose of the Nokia delegation’s visit. Syrjala emphasized their commitment to collaborating with Nigeria to support the nation’s digital economy agenda. He noted Nokia’s existing partnerships with communications service providers, cable operators, and others in Nigeria, emphasizing the delivery of critical network systems with high performance, reliability, and security.
Syrjala revealed that Nokia already maintains an R&D center in Nigeria and expressed the company’s intent to escalate its investment in this crucial aspect, aligning with the shared vision for technological growth and innovation in the Nigerian ICT sector.
