TheCable

Investors will be the focus of the Nigerian delegation to the 2017 edition of the international telecommunications union (ITU) telecom world holding in Busan, South Korea from September 25 to September 28.

The Nigerian delegation to the conference will be led by Adebayo Shittu, minister of communications and will include Olabiyi Durojaiye, chairman of the board of commissioners of NCC, Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman of NCC and other industry players.

The ITU telecom world 2017 is a global platform for major industry players, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), countries and organisations to network and share ideas about new developments and technologies that would lead to better-connected societies.

It is an event for international visibility of innovative information and communications technology (ICT), products/services and solutions from around the world.

“So, as Nigeria’s delegation berths in Busan, South Korea, the narrative will be endearing as the country beckons on more investors especially in broadband internet,” a statement by Tony Ojobo, NCC director, public affairs read.

“Existing and potential investors will want to hear the cheery news of a robust regulatory agency, the NCC, which has carried out its regulatory functions in line with global best practices, stakeholders’ engagement, among others.

“Although Nigeria has had a very robust telecommunications sector with active connected subscribers in the region of 150 million and about 110 percent teledensity, the NCC believes that more efforts should be deployed to deepen broadband penetration.”

According to the statement, Nigeria’s broadband penetration, which currently stands at 21%, is expected to  hit 30% by 2018 by the national broadband plan (2013-2018)

“Nigeria will host an investment forum at ITU Telecom World 2017 and Broadband Nigeria will be at the focus of discussions.”