L-R: John Odeyemi, Chairman, Board of Trustees and past President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, President & Chairman of Council, LCCI; Alkasim Umar, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Gabriel Idahosa, Deputy President, LCCI; Prof. Muhammed Abubakar, Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone Limited and Leye Kupoluyi, Vice President, LCCI, during the 9th edition of the Information, Communication Technology and Telecommunications (ICTEL) Expo hosted by LCCI in Lagos this week

As the world grapples with the 4th Industrial Revolution driven by the Internet, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), Prof Umar Danbatta, has advised business owners to adjust to the potentials of disruptive technologies which have been adopted across the globe for enhanced productivity and sustainability.

The NCC Boss said advancements in many facets of ICTs, are fundamentally changing all aspects of people’s lives and reshaping economic, social and cultural paradigms across the world.

Executive Vice Chairman spoke in Lagos at the 2023 edition of the Information, Communication, Technology and Telecommunications (ICTEL) expo organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) attended by industry leaders and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovators.

Danbatta, who was represented by the Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau at the Commission, Mr. Alkasim Umar, said technology has always played a significant role in shaping the world, noting that in recent years, advancements have accelerated at an unprecedented rate.

Danbatta listed such disruptive technologies to include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain Technology, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Fifth Generation (5G) and other emerging technologies which he said have demonstrated the potential of transforming industries and business models.

“Today, we find ourselves amid a digital revolution, where the boundaries between physical and virtual worlds are blurring.  So, as we navigate the era of tech disruptions, it is crucial for businesses to embrace innovation and adapt to the changing landscape.

“Companies that are agile and willing to experiment with these emerging technologies will gain a competitive advantage in their respective industries,” Danbatta said.

The NCC Chief Executive assured that the NCC’s strategic management plan represents the Commission’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to transform industries and drive positive change.

According to him, “by embracing tech disruption, we are empowering individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive in the digital age. Together, let us build a Nigeria where technology is a catalyst for inclusive growth, innovation flourishes, and the benefits of connectivity reach every Nigerian,”

President of LCCI, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, who appreciated the Commission’s efforts in providing a predictable telecom regulatory environment, noted that the theme of this year’s edition of the ICTEL Expo had been carefully chosen considering the far-reaching impact disruptive technologies are having on businesses around the world.

NCC’s Zonal Controller, Lagos, Engr. Yomi Arowosafe, who was part of the team received an LCCI Appreciation Award presented to Prof. Danbatta, by the Vice President of LCCI, Leye Kupoluyi, in recognition of Danbatta’s contribution towards the success of the 2023 ICTEL Expo