NCC Calls for More Local Tech Investment to Bolster Nigeria's Digital Future

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has strongly advocated for increased financial backing in technologies developed within the country. This strategic push aims to decrease Nigeria's reliance on imported software and enhance its digital autonomy. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, conveyed this message on Thursday during the concluding event of the fourth NCC Hackathon Live Show in Abuja.

The hackathon showcased innovative technological solutions specifically designed for individuals with disabilities and other Nigerians facing digital exclusion. Maida, whose address was delivered by Rimini Makama, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to transition from being a major consumer of foreign software to a nation that creates technology tailored to its unique needs.

He stated, “Through this hackathon, we are transforming Nigeria from a passive importer of foreign software into a creator of locally engineered assistive technology that serves the ability of all its citizens.” Maida further highlighted that the innovations presented at the hackathon — which included AI-powered speech-to-text systems, voice-activated public platforms, accessible USSD solutions, and inclusive mobile applications — are fundamental steps towards achieving technological self-sufficiency.

“By investing in a homegrown, universally accessible codebase, we guarantee Nigeria’s digital economy remains operational, secure, affordable, and responsive to Nigeria’s realities, immune to external shocks,” Maida affirmed. The NCC boss also appealed to venture capitalists, telecommunications companies, and state governments to provide the essential investments and collaborations needed to elevate these prototypes beyond their current stage.

He urged, “We ask you not to view these innovators as contestants, but as future founders, future partners, and future vendors. We encourage you to step forward, invest in these accessible prototypes, and help us remove digital exclusion.” Maida stressed the growing urgency for locally relevant technologies, citing that millions of Nigerians are at risk of exclusion as more economic and social activities move online.

Quoting World Bank statistics, he noted that approximately 25 million Nigerians live with at least one form of disability, with about 3.6 million experiencing significant functional challenges. He pointed out that without accessible digital product designs, persons with disabilities risk being excluded not only from connectivity but also from vital services such as education, employment, financial services, healthcare, and broader societal participation.

Representing MTN Nigeria, Chinyelu Chikwendu, Senior Manager for Strategy and Innovation, assured the innovators of the telecom giant's support. She stated the company's readiness to offer infrastructure and explore partnerships with startups whose technologies align with MTN's operations. Chikwendu said, “We are happy to support your growth. We are happy to support these beautiful ideas that you are all working on, and we are here to help you with the various infrastructures that we have.”

She detailed that MTN provides infrastructure and platforms, including cloud services, its data centre, and an API marketplace, which startups can leverage to scale their products. Chikwendu also extended an invitation to the 20 hackathon participants to apply for MTN's upcoming Cloud Accelerator Programme, which offers mentorship, funding, and infrastructure support to startups.

Adding to the discussion, Amadi Kenneth from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion Department, identified opportunities for deploying some of these innovations to broaden financial inclusion. He stated, “We want to see that the excluded Nigerians are brought into the financial system,” identifying women, youth, persons with disabilities, and remote communities as key target groups.

Kenneth indicated that the CBN plans to collaborate with the NCC and might invite some participants to its Digital Channel Working Group to assess how their applications could bolster financial inclusion. Helen Obi, the NCC Director of Digital Economy, expressed the commission's anticipation that partnerships formed at the event would enable innovators to expand their technologies beyond the competition.

She also encouraged financial institutions to consider establishing dedicated funding for young innovators, asserting, “Youths need to be encouraged. Let’s begin to have a huge fund projected for this sector of the economy.” In the culmination of the competition, Sora secured the top prize of N3 million, ClearSignal earned N2 million for second place, and Ikor received N1 million for coming in third. These three emerged victorious from a pool of five finalists, which also included Aditus and Axol.