The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially handed over the Digital Industrial Park and the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to the Enugu State Government under a 15-year operational lease agreement. The ceremony took place at the Government House in Enugu on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the federal government's digital economy agenda.
NCC CEO Highlights Strategic Importance
Aminu Maida, the Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, speaking at the signing ceremony, explained that these facilities are part of six digital industrial parks established across Nigeria to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital development. He stressed that the infrastructure was built to deepen digital skills, support startups, attract investments, and create jobs, ultimately positioning Nigeria as a competitive destination for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), and other technology-enabled services.
Mr Maida emphasized that the value of such infrastructure lies not in the physical assets themselves but in how they are utilized. He stated, "The success of these facilities will not be measured by the quality of the buildings or equipment, but by the skills acquired, ideas developed, businesses created and jobs generated." This reflects a broader vision where innovation is driven by people, ideas, and entrepreneurial partnerships.
Partnership Aligns with Federal Digital Agenda
The NCC boss expressed confidence in the Enugu State Government's commitment to maximizing the facilities through investments in education, innovation, infrastructure, and digital capacity. He noted that the partnership would support Enugu's ambition to become a leading destination for digital services, Artificial Intelligence (AI), startup incubation, outsourcing, research, and technology-enabled enterprises.
This collaboration is aligned with the federal government's digital economy agenda and President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to build a $1 trillion economy driven by productivity, innovation, and private sector growth. Mr Maida reiterated that Nigeria's digital future requires collaboration among federal and state governments, the private sector, academia, and development partners.
Governor Mbah Unveils Vision for Enugu as Digital Hub
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State described the handover as a historic milestone that would position the state as Nigeria's leading digital economy hub through strategic investments in AI, digital innovation, and talent development. He announced that the Digital Industrial Park would be transformed into the Enugu Talent City, a knowledge-driven outsourcing hub providing BPO and KPO services. This initiative will enable talented young people in the state to serve global companies without leaving Enugu.
Furthermore, Governor Mbah disclosed that the Digital Bridge Institute would be upgraded into an AI Institute and an AI certification centre serving the African continent. He stated, "We see these assets as facilities that will deepen innovation in our state, unlock opportunities, create employment and position Enugu as a leading digital economy in this country." He also highlighted that AI is projected to contribute about $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030, stressing the need to equip Nigerian youths with relevant digital skills to compete globally.
Stakeholders Applaud the Handover
Arinze Chilo-Offia, Special Adviser to the Governor on SMEs and Digital Economy, thanked the NCC leadership for entrusting the facilities to the state. He described the collaboration as a major boost to Enugu's ambition of becoming Nigeria's premier destination for digital innovation, technology-driven investment, and high-value employment.
Ikechukwu Ugwuegede, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the NCC, also expressed confidence in the Enugu State Government's capacity to maximize the facilities to advance Nigeria's digital economy. He noted that both facilities are university-sized and strategically located along the Enugu-Ugwogo Expressway and the GRA Expressway, serving as major centres for innovation, digital skills development, and economic growth in the state.
