Nigeria Must Embrace 4th Industrial Revolution Through Tech, Says Ndukwe

The Board chairman of MTN Nigeria Plc, Ernest Ndukwe, has tasked the government to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) by prioritising technological advancements through key investment in ICT infrastructure for digital transformation and economic growth.

He made the call at the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) 22nd annual symposium in Lagos, themed “Creating a Competitive Edge in the 4th Industrial Revolution for Communication Infrastructure in Nigeria”.

LEADERSHIP reports that the event was to commemorate the birthday anniversary of CVL founder, Dr. Pat Utomi.

Ndukwe, who was the keynote speaker, pointed out that Nigeria’s telecommunication infrastructure is currently operating at only 50% capacity, limiting the country’s ability to fully harness the potential of digital transformation.

He stressed the importance of expanding broadband networks and investing in optic fibre cables to improve connectivity across urban and rural areas.

He further explained that despite the progress made by telecom companies, large parts of Nigeria remained underserved. Many rural communities lack reliable internet access, and even in urban areas, inadequate metropolitan fibre networks hinder high-speed connectivity. This digital divide, he argued, puts Nigeria at a disadvantage in the global technology race.

According to Ndukwe, “Regulatory challenges and government policies often slow down progress in the ICT sector just as some government agencies have the tendencies to prioritise immediate revenue over long-term investment.”

He, however, warned that such an approach discourages potential investors in telecom infrastructure.

Speaking further, he said, “For the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we need governments and people to understand that ICT is not just an industry; it is a crucial infrastructure for national development,” he said. “We need policies that support investment and innovation in this space to ensure widespread digital access.”

He emphasised the need to bridge the gap in digital literacy with the integration of ICT education in schools to equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. “Coding, software development, and ICT skills must become a priority for our education system,” he added.

The forner executive vice chairman of NCC urged Nigeria to transition from being a consumer of technology to a key contributor while referencing leading global economies such as the United States and China, which have built strong digital ecosystems through continuous innovation and research.

However, he acknowledged the role of mobile technology in expanding Internet access. He stressed that mobile internet alone is insufficient for advanced applications such as automation, artificial intelligence, and smart infrastructure that need high-speed fibre networks, which are necessary for sustainable digital transformation.

On his part, the Chief Operating Officer,
Geoplex Nig Ltd, Akintunde Fadare, echoed Ndukwe’s concerns as he stressed that Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate of 42% has not been sufficient to mark a revolution in the telecoms sector and affirmed the vast investment opportunities in the sector.

He asserted that the forum gives room to send a clear message to policymakers that the right legislation will attract investors that will transform the digital landscape, which has vast potential to transform Nigeria and the African continent.

“If we invest in training Nigerian youths in telecommunications, we can not only develop our country but also export talent to the global market. The language of telecom is the same everywhere whether in the U.S., Canada, or Europe,” he averred.

In his remark, the celebrant and founder of the Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL), Dr. Pat Utomi, asserted that Africa has the potential to become a global manufacturing hub if strategic digital policies are implemented.

“It is the duty, the obligation of every generation to make sure that’s available for the next generation to stand up and see tomorrow more clearly,” Utomi stated.