Nigeria Must Leverage the Fourth Industrial Revolution Through Technology, Urges Ndukwe

 

Ernest Ndukwe, the Board Chairman of MTN Nigeria Plc, has urged the Nigerian government to fully embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) by making significant investments in ICT infrastructure to drive digital transformation and foster economic growth.

Ndukwe made this call at the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) 22nd Annual Symposium held in Lagos, which was themed “Creating a Competitive Edge in the 4th Industrial Revolution for Communication Infrastructure in Nigeria.” The event also marked the birthday of Dr. Pat Utomi, founder of CVL.

As the keynote speaker, Ndukwe highlighted that Nigeria’s current telecommunication infrastructure is only functioning at half its potential, which limits the country’s ability to fully tap into the benefits of digital transformation.

He emphasized the need for expanding broadband networks and investing in optical fiber infrastructure to enhance connectivity, both in urban and rural areas.

Despite the progress made by telecommunications companies, Ndukwe pointed out that many areas of Nigeria, particularly rural communities, still lack reliable internet access. Even in cities, poor metropolitan fiber networks prevent high-speed connectivity, creating a digital divide that puts Nigeria behind in the global race for technological advancement.

He further stated, “Regulatory challenges and government policies often hinder progress in the ICT sector. Some government agencies prioritize immediate revenue generation over long-term infrastructure investment,” adding that such an approach discourages potential investors in the telecom industry.

Ndukwe stressed the importance of viewing ICT as a fundamental infrastructure for national development, not just as an industry. He called for policies that encourage investment and innovation to ensure digital access for all Nigerians.

He also stressed the need to address the digital literacy gap by incorporating ICT education into the school curriculum to equip the next generation with the skills needed for a technology-driven future. “Coding, software development, and ICT skills should be prioritized in our education system,” he said.

Ndukwe, who previously served as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), urged Nigeria to shift from being merely a consumer of technology to becoming an active contributor. He pointed to countries like the United States and China, which have created thriving digital ecosystems through consistent innovation and research.

While acknowledging the importance of mobile technology in expanding internet access, Ndukwe noted that mobile internet alone is insufficient for advanced technologies like automation, artificial intelligence, and smart infrastructure, all of which require high-speed fiber networks for sustainable growth.

In agreement, Akintunde Fadare, Chief Operating Officer of Geoplex Nig Ltd, echoed Ndukwe’s concerns. He pointed out that Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate of 42% remains inadequate for a telecommunications revolution and underscored the immense investment opportunities within the sector.

Fadare emphasized that the forum aimed to send a strong message to policymakers, urging them to create the right legislative environment that will attract investors and transform Nigeria’s digital landscape, which has the potential to drive economic growth across the continent.

“If we invest in training Nigerian youths in telecommunications, we can not only develop our own country but also export talent to the global market. The language of telecom is universal, whether in the U.S., Canada, or Europe,” Fadare said.

Dr. Pat Utomi, founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), concluded the event by asserting that Africa has the potential to become a global manufacturing hub if strategic digital policies are put in place.

“It is our duty, as a generation, to ensure that the future is bright for the next generation, enabling them to stand tall and see tomorrow with clarity,” Utomi said.