Disruptive technologies vital to Nigeria’s GDP, others- Experts

A Disruptive technology has been described as one that will displace an established technology and shakes up the industry or a ground-breaking product that creates a completely new industry.

Some experts in the ICT industry have shared divergent views on what this disruptive technology tends to offer the sector in the emerging era as stakeholders converged to examine the growth and future of disruptive technologies in Nigeria with theme: ‘Role of Disruptive Technology in Catapulting African Continent’s GDP’.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya who was represented by Vice President, Networks Operations, Airtel Nigeria, Adedoyin Adeola at the recently held maiden edition of Nigeria International Technology and Exhibition Conference (NITEC) in Lagos said disruptive technologies can contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if ICT start-ups are encouraged to create innovations that deliver value.

Adeola noted that ICT currently contributes up to nine percent to Nigeria’s GDP while there is potential for growth if ICT start-ups can explore the available opportunities despite the current dollar rate and Nigeria’s slow GDP.

“Nigeria needs to change from import-based economy to export-based economy, affordable power must be available and government should formulate enabling fiscal and monetary policies in order to boost GDP,” he recommended.

He also noted that quality and affordable data network like Airtel, affordable ecosystems for phones, cloud service and broadband penetration will enable the growth of ICT start-ups in Nigeria, making it possible to access the untapped benefits of ICT.

He charged the government to formulate regulations that allow spectrum and active infrastructure sharing, removal of double taxation and declaration of telco infrastructure as critical national infrastructure.

He also urged corporate and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to invest in capacity building, creation of innovation centres across the country and sponsorship of innovation internship/challenge programmes in order to discover young talents.

On his part, the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo who was represented by Mr. Okoh Aihe, Head of New Media and Special Publications at the commission stated that ordinarily the word disruptive will qualify for troublesome and unsettling, but in this instance has been transformed into a beautiful bride whose qualities are being considered strong and positive enough to transform the GDP of the continent.

The telecom regulator, he said will continue to provide a transparent, regulated industry, which must be friendly to local and international investments and ultimately open up the fortunes of disruptive technologies to thrive.

The telecom regulator said even as technology disrupts other industry, it is the most disrupted, so it hopes to be remembered for creating a commodious environment for ideas, technologies and businesses to grow.

NCC said part of the effort being made is the concentration of a robust broadband plan across the country, as a result of the availability of disruptive technologies like Mobile Internet, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud, Advanced Robotics, Autonomous vehicles, Internet Protocol (IP) Telephony, Live Streaming and other Social Media Applications.

According to him, the commission is aware that a robust broadband plan that can support these disruptive technologies is capable of boasting the nation’s Gross Domestic product (GDP).

“The Commission as a regulator is committed in boosting Africa’s GDP with disruptive technologies in its robust broadband plan, which is geared towards steering the industry to the kind of growth that will allow Nigerians fulfill their dreams,” he added.

Okoh agreed that what is happening today in technology is totally out of control and beyond the expectations of everybody, including the regulator.

The commission being aware of these trends said every point in the 8-Point agenda of the leadership of NCC under Prof. Umar Danbatta has been carefully thought out and followed with vision and strategy to help push the industry to new heights in an era of very fair, firm, and forthright regulations.

The 8-Point agenda include Facilitate Broadband Penetration, Improve Quality of Service, Optimize Usage and Benefits of Spectrum, Promote ICT Innovation and Investment Opportunities, Facilitate Strategic Collaboration and Partnership, Protect and Empower Consumers, Promote Fair Competition and Inclusive growth, and Ensure Regulatory Excellence and Operational Efficiency.

“Broadband occupies a central peg in the Agenda as a result of the intruding technologies, which are sometime difficult to regulate.

The current Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, he noted is very excited by the opportunity given to drive the growth of Broadband in Nigeria and has already ‘thrown his hat in the ring in full readiness for action’.