Victor EzejaChairman of MTN Nigeria Plc, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, has stated that Nigeria must work on ensuring a stable electricity supply across the country to be able to key into the global agenda of the 4th industrial revolution driven by modern technologies.
Ndukwe, a former Executive Vice Chairman /CEO of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), said Nigeria’s next revolution must be on power, adding that without electricity, nothing sustainable can be done.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe stated this during the 22nd Annual Lecture and International Leadership Symposium of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) held on Thursday, 6 February at MUSON Centre in Lagos.
The theme of the 2025 lecture is “Creating a Competitive Edge in the 4th Industrial Revolution for Telecommunication Infrastructure in Nigeria.”
CVL, which was founded in 2004 by Pat Utomi, a renowned Professor of Political Economy, has been organising the annual lecture series for over two decades.
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Ndukwe, who was the keynote speaker, dwelt on the topic, “Positioning Nigeria for Global Competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution through Telecommunication Infrastructure.”
He said: “Nigeria’s next revolution must be on power. Without electric power, nothing can be done. It is an essential infrastructure even for the 4th industrial revolution.”
He expressed concerns that Nigeria is still lagging behind in having a stable electricity supply which is no longer an issue in many countries across the world.
“Whatever Nigeria must do to improve on this must be done,” Ndukwe added.
Highlighting the critical roles of telecommunications in the 4th industrial revolution, the former NCC boss stated that no modern economy can survive without having a functional telecom facility.
He emphasised that a “Robust telecommunication network is important for the economic growth of nations and constitutes a base infrastructure that supports the world economy.
He stated that communication is a vital aspect of human existence and effective telecommunications services, enhance living standards and improve productivity and efficiency in other sectors.
He pointed out that nations and businesses would become less competitive and lag behind others if they failed to avail themselves of this vital infrastructure.
“Nearly all sectors in the Nigerian economy depend heavily on telecommunications services,” he noted.
“The current unprecedented speed of breakthroughs, disruptions caused to almost every industry worldwide, and their potential to transform the global economy and society make this a new industrial revolution,” Ndukwe stated.
Technologies Driving 4th Industrial Revolution
He identified key technologies driving the 4th industrial revolution such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud computing, virtual reality, Biotech and Nanotech, Blockchain, and 3D Printing among others.
According to him, key enablers of 4th Industrial Revolution in telecommunications, include 5G, Fibre Optics expansion, Ultra-fast communication and connectivity, smartcities, Internet of Things (IoT) applications and rural connectivity which will require technologies such as satellite and various last mile solutions.
Highlighting Nigeria’s current telecom and infrastructure landscape, Ndukwe mentioned that there are over 220 million lines (mobile penetration), and 42.24% Internet Connectivity (broadband penetration).
While admitting that notable growth has been recorded in the sector, he, however, insisted that a lot still remains to be done.
50% Telecom Tariff Hike necessary
Speaking on the 50% tariff increase approved for telecom network operators by NCC recently, Ndukwe said it is necessary to reduce the cost of operations and enable them deliver quality services to subscribers.
He emphasised that the telecom network operators are in business and could fold up like many in the past if not given a conducive environment to operate.
He said there is a need for upgrading telecom infrastructure such as expanding the broadband to increase penetration which is currently at 42.24%, pervasive fibre optics infrastructure spanning across the whole of Nigeria, and highspeed internet for easy and fast communication.
“Without Internet and broadband, the 4th industrial revolution will not happen in Nigeria,” he stated, adding that there is need for money to invest in telecom infrastructure upgrades.
“A much higher penetration of high-speed internet and broadband facilities are still required in more business premises, educational institutions and homes.
“4IR can only ride on a modern, solid and dependable ICT infrastructure,” he further emphasised.
On the way forward, he suggested improving the policy regulations to allow for strengthening spectrum planning, supporting regional collaboration, public-private sector partnership, digital literacy campaigns and subsidization of services in underserved areas among others.
He also suggested licensing more operators to increase access to telecom services across the country. On the cost of licence, he suggested that the regulatory authority should place the fees at such a level that the cost of rollout wouldn’t be too burdensome for operators. He cited the case of MAFAB which got the licence for 5G two years ago at over 270 million dollars but has been unable to roll out because the money required is massive.
He also called for investment in infrastructure to enhance cybersecurity and the protection of data.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Professor Utomi, who joined virtually, explained that the theme of this year’s lecture was designed for a very special reason as the country at this time, is in great need of transformation to move to a more productive economy. He noted that technology would play a critical role in achieving that.
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Utomi recalled that the CVL series of annual lectures started 29 years ago with a lecture delivered by Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, the current Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Nigeria.
The Professor of Political Economy noted that between then and now, a lot of changes have occurred hence, the need to highlight how technology, especially telecommunications, can be harnessed to key into the 4th Industrial Revolution that is ongoing.
He prayed for God to grant African leaders the grace to make choices that would make the continent reap the dividends of its young demography.
Utomi concluded his remarks with an expression of optimism that “Nigeria will rise up again.”
In her opening comment, the chairperson of the event, Mavi Sokia Isibor, a seasoned banker and administrator, said the CVL Annual Lecture serves as a platform that brings together key industry leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders to discuss pressing national issues and propose transformative solutions for national development.
Isibor observed that this year’s CVL lecture theme “is both timely and crucial.”
She stated that as the world advances into an era defined by artificial intelligence, Big Data, and digital transformation, the strength of Nigeria’s telecommunication infrastructure will determine how well Nigeria competes on the global scale.
The event was also in commemoration of Prof. Utomi’s birthday.
Ndukwe congratulated Prof. Utomi on his birthday and also applauded him for identifying the need for focus on the 4th industrial revolution and for Nigeria to build a necessary infrastructure needed for creating a competitive edge in Africa and in the global scheme of things.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
