The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has rated Nigeria 71% in terms of its legal, policy, and governance frameworks for digital transformation. This score indicates Nigeria’s advanced readiness for digital transformation, positioning the country at the G4 level on the Generations of Regulation framework, which is one step below the advanced G5 level.
Report Highlights:
- Score: 71% in comparative legal, policy, and governance frameworks.
- Ranking: Nigeria is among Africa’s top seven countries in the 5G Readiness Index, reflecting its preparedness for the deployment and adoption of mass-market 5G networks.
- Report Title: ‘Collaborative Regulation: Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Transformation.’
- Presentation: The report was unveiled by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in Abuja on Monday.
Benchmark Details:
The ITU’s benchmark for digital transformation readiness is based on four critical levels of accomplishment:
- Regulatory Capacity: 91%
- Market Rules: 82%
- Collaborative Governance: 81%
- Legal Instruments for ICT/Telecom Markets: 76%
- National Digital Agenda Policy: 69%
Minister’s Remarks:
Dr. Tijani praised the ITU and partner agencies for their role in the report and expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to using it as a guide for achieving regulatory objectives and enhancing the digital economy. He highlighted the evolution of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) from regulating just telecommunications to overseeing the foundational aspects of a prosperous economy.
NCC’s Perspective:
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, emphasized that the report’s indicators support effective regulation, attract investment, and foster digital inclusion. He noted that collaborative regulation would aid Nigeria’s transition toward effective digital governance and agile policymaking.
Additional Insights:
The report, presented to key industry stakeholders, complements existing cross-country benchmarks assessing countries’ policy and regulatory environments. It reflects Nigeria’s progress and areas for improvement in its digital transformation journey, with a focus on collaborative digital governance and evidence-based policymaking.
The ITU report underscores Nigeria’s advancements in digital readiness while also highlighting areas for further development to achieve the G5 advanced state of readiness.
