The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has urged Nokia Networks to support the growth of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the country by increasing its investment in Research and Development.
Maida made the call while receiving a delegation from Nokia Networks of Finland in Abuja, according to the statement made available on Sunday by the Director Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.
The EVC told the delegation led by the Deputy Minister, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Jarno Syrjala, that the federal government is interested in harnessing Nokia’s capabilities through technology transfer to support Nigerian youths in technical skills.
The NCC boss said,” the Nigerian government is targeting training of three million youths in ICT skills to advance the country’s digital economy.
“We are keen on getting the youths employed, as our Ministry is targeting three million youths for skills acquisition,” he said.
Maida informed the Nokia contingent that the Commission places primacy in R&D as the bedrock of any knowledge economy, and for advancement of innovation. Thu
He, therefore, urged Nokia and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), to explore R&D opportunities to deepen local content development in Nigeria.
While congratulating Maida on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator, Syrjala said, the purpose of the visit was to explore areas of collaboration to support Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
Syrjala recalled Nokia’s continued partnership with communications service providers in Nigeria, as well as cable and other operators to deliver critical network systems with high performance, reliability, and security.
He noted that Nokia already has an R&D centre in Nigeria, and would target greater investment in this regard.
