The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has formally handed over its Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre in Enugu to the Enugu State Government under a 15-year operational lease, in a move aimed at accelerating digital skills development, innovation and job creation in the state.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, announced the partnership during the handover ceremony in Enugu.
Maida said the facilities were established to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development by providing opportunities for young people to acquire digital skills, support startups, attract investment and create jobs.
He stressed that the initiative goes beyond physical infrastructure, noting that its success would be measured by its impact on skills acquisition, business development, innovation and employment.
According to him, the handover followed the Enugu State Government’s demonstrated commitment to investments in education, infrastructure, innovation and digital capacity.
Maida said the partnership would support the state’s ambition to become a leading destination for digital services, artificial intelligence, startup incubation, outsourcing, research and other technology-enabled businesses.
The NCC boss linked the initiative to the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly efforts to promote digital infrastructure, literacy, innovation and indigenous technology.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as purposeful leadership and investments in education and human capital, including the planned recruitment of about 6,500 teachers under the Smart Green Schools initiative.
Maida emphasised that infrastructure alone cannot drive digital transformation, stressing that people must possess the skills and knowledge required to maximise technology.
He also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and other emerging technologies, saying Nigeria must continuously equip its young population to remain competitive in the evolving global digital economy.
The NCC Chief Executive called for stronger collaboration among federal and state governments, the private sector, academia and development partners, stressing that no single institution can build Nigeria’s digital future alone.
The Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre are expected to provide spaces for young people to acquire digital skills, entrepreneurs to develop viable businesses and local enterprises to connect with opportunities within Nigeria and the global economy.
