Gov Mbah and EVC of NCC
NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, said the facilities should be rated by the economic and human-capital opportunities they create rather than the infrastructure itself.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has executed the hand over of its Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre in Enugu to the Enugu State Government in a 15-year operational lease.
The centre will boost digital skills development, startup incubation and technology-enabled businesses in Enugu ranked as one of Nigeria’s smartest states.
The facilities were conceived to develop digital skills, support entrepreneurs, attract investment and create jobs, particularly in business process outsourcing, knowledge process outsourcing and other technology-enabled services.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Enugu, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, said the facilities should be rated by the economic and human-capital opportunities they create rather than the infrastructure itself.
“These facilities were conceived as platforms for innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development.
“They were designed to deepen digital skills, support startups, attract investment, create jobs and position Nigeria as a competitive destination for business process outsourcing, knowledge process outsourcing and other technology-enabled services.”
Maida said the handover was intended to move the facilities from physical infrastructure to productive use, with emphasis on skills, enterprise and employment noting that “Buildings alone do not create innovation. People do. Ideas do. Entrepreneurs do. And partnerships bring all these elements together.”
He said the success of the facilities would ultimately depend on their practical impact on skills development, business creation and job opportunities.
The NCC chief executive said the partnership was also expected to support Enugu’s ambition to develop as a destination for digital services, artificial intelligence, startup incubation, outsourcing, research and other technology-enabled enterprises.
He linked the initiative to Nigeria’s wider digital economy priorities, including digital infrastructure, digital literacy, innovation and indigenous content development, as well as the Federal Government’s ambition to build a $1tn economy driven by productivity, innovation and private-sector growth.
Governor Mbah said the centre will enhance his drive to make Enugu state a place of first choice in digital evolution in Nigeria.
Mbah has built smart schools and hospitals across the state. The digital centre adds to the digital menu Mbah is serving the state.
