The Minister of Communucations and Digital Economy Professor Isah Ali Pantammi says Nigeria”s ICT regulatory approach from 2019 tilll date has been hinged on the National Digital Economy policy and strategy for a digital Nigeria and strictly based on developmental regulation.
Speaking at a Stakeholders’ Consultative forum On Emerging Technologies with the theme ” Regulatory Roadmap For IoT Ecosystem In Nigeria” organized by the Nigerian Communucations Commission, NCC in Lagos , Professor Pantami, who assured that Nigeria’s telecom regulatory framework has been designed to address the challenges that may arrive with the advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the country pointed out that the regulatory approach has been made flexible and not in any way restricted the development of the sector.
The Minister noted that Nigeria has already exhibited its preparedness to harness the potentials of this new service, as demonstrated in the reduction in incidences of cybercrimes in Nigeria over the past two years.
He emphasized the need for the type of consultations and brainstorming being hosted for IoT, as the International Data Cooperation (IDC) revealed that, “By 2025, there will be about 46.1 billion IoT devices that are going to be interconnected globally.and through this connection, the data to be generated will be up to 79.4 zeta bites.”
In an opening remark the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communucations Commission, NCC , Professor Umar Garba Danbatta who said it was important to exchange ideas on Spectrum and regulatory requirement of Internet of Things.
described the telecommunications industry as dynamic and the contributions from all stakeholders are critical to keep abreast with developments in the industry.
Professor Danbatta added that IoT is increasingly becoming important in the scheme of activities across most sectors of the economy which includes Education, Security, Military Reconnaissance Commerce, Governance, Inventory Management, Health, Surveillance, Smart City Initiatives and applications of IoT are far-reaching.
Professor Danbatta pointed out that the advent of 5G technology, would bring about another dimension in the IoT Ecosystem as 5G technology is going to enable Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC).
In a key note address, Professor Mike Hinchey of University of Limerick, Ireland emphasized on the need for proper regulation of the IoT ecosystem.
In a paper entitled”” The IoT Ecosystem, The Consumers Requirements Regulation and Challenges, Professor Emmanuel Eronu, from University of Abuja suggested that inherent challenges of IOT should be considered, policy makers should also ensure IoT supply is sustained and issues affecting consumers and data privacy and control, users interest also need to be protected.
The event featured a panel discussion of experts from various sectors of the ICT industry, the challenges and prospects of IoT within the Nigerian telecom ecosystem were reviewed, with a view to preparing the country for the future application of IoT products and services.
High point it the Consultative forum which was attended by Nigerian and International experts including the Secretary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Houlin Zhao, in virtual participation, was launch of two books entitled “”Datafication Of Society To Foster An Internet Economy and Cybersecurity Initiative For Securing A Country by the Minister of Communucations and Digital Economy Professor Isah Ali Pantami.
Cov/ Chioma Ezike
