By George Ozalla
Enugu Tech Fest Showcases Digital Energy as NCC Moves to Review Telecom Policy
The Nigerian digital ecosystem came alive in Enugu on Tuesday as technology innovators, startups, investors and policymakers gathered for the Enugu Tech Fest, an event that underscored the growing influence of subnational actors in shaping Nigeria’s tech future.
Speaking at the festival, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the atmosphere as charged with energy, creativity and optimism, reflecting the vibrancy of Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
He commended Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, for convening what he called a forward-looking platform deliberately designed to encourage ideation, networking and strategic partnerships. According to him, the festival represents the kind of ecosystem-building initiative required to position states as competitive players in the knowledge economy.
Addressing tech enthusiasts and industry stakeholders at the event, he distilled his message to two central themes: vision and focus. He noted that sustainable growth in any sector does not happen by accident but through clarity of purpose, disciplined execution and long-term planning.
Drawing from the evolution of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, he reminded participants that the country had fewer than 500,000 fixed telephone lines about 26 years ago. Today, Nigeria boasts over 179 million mobile connections, a transformation he attributed to deliberate policy direction, regulatory certainty, sustained investment and institutional vision.
He stressed that the rapid expansion of mobile connectivity stands as evidence that clear frameworks and consistent leadership can unlock large-scale economic and social change. The telecom sector, he said, remains one of Nigeria’s most visible examples of reform translating into measurable impact.
In that context, he announced that the Commission has commenced consultations for a comprehensive review of the National Telecommunications Policy 2000, the foundational framework that has guided the industry for more than two decades. The policy, introduced at the dawn of sector liberalisation, laid the groundwork for private sector participation and the exponential growth that followed.
He explained that the ongoing review is aimed at redefining the direction of the industry for the next decade, particularly in light of emerging technologies, evolving consumer demands and the global shift toward digital economies. The objective, he added, is to develop a modern policy framework capable of driving innovation while ensuring the regulatory environment remains responsive and forward-thinking.
Industry observers at the festival noted that conversations around artificial intelligence, broadband penetration, digital inclusion and startup financing dominated breakout sessions, reflecting a maturing ecosystem increasingly aligned with global technology trends.
The Enugu Tech Fest is part of a broader push by state governments to attract digital investment and nurture local innovation clusters. For regulators and policymakers, the gathering also served as an opportunity to engage directly with young innovators whose work is shaping the next phase of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
As the consultation process on the new telecommunications policy progresses, stakeholders across the public and private sectors are expected to contribute input aimed at strengthening the regulatory architecture that will guide Nigeria’s communications landscape into the next decade.
