Telecommunication Service and Nigeria’s Digital Economy Challenges and Opportunities
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with telecommunication services in the context of Nigeria’s digital economy. The research aims to achieve the following specific objectives:
- Evaluate the current state of telecommunication infrastructure in Nigeria.
- Investigate the existing regulatory frameworks governing telecommunication services in Nigeria.
- Assess the cybersecurity landscape in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, examining prevalent threats and vulnerabilities.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Information and Communication technology is used in most of the fields such as Finance, Construction, Medicine, Agriculture, Security, E-governance, E- Commerce, Transport, etc. With the developments in technology, computing infrastructure and the need to automate and reduce cycle times, computing infrastructure and platforms have made way for an effective digitalisation of the economy. According to World Bank Group, Nigeria Digital Economy Diagnostic Report (2019), Nigeria is regarded as Africa’s largest ICT market with 82% of the continent’s telecoms subscribers and 29% of internet usage. In Nigeria, ICT is at the lead in the bid to fight corruption, improve cyber security, explore economic diversification and enhance government productivity in Nigeria by contributing to monitoring and tracking information in real time, allowing better decision-making. Digitalisation has permeated into our daily lives; it is the use of ICT and digital technologies to change a business model and provide new revenue and value-producing opportunities. Digital solutions have presented enormous opportunities for Nigeria to charter a new digital-driven development path. According to Cairncross (1997), digital technologies are altering the old deep forces that regulate industrial business architecture: transaction costs, how information is generated and shared, how production occurs, the product ecosystem and the management of risks, how applications interact. Digitalisation employs context driven applications to create smart environments. In Nlerum, P. A. and Ogheneovo, E.E (2020), context means all information coming from the environment that is used by the application to adapt its behavior. Industries such as media, banking, postal services, retail and telephony are being upended by new digital entrants employing context driven application. This process is fast moving and spreading to almost every industry. As such, even seemingly ‘physical’ industries such as tourism, food and transport are being transformed by the application of digital technology. This is the digital economy as nurtured by ICT. We shall explore ICT and digital economy concepts and way forward in later sections.
ICT Development in Nigeria, Policy and Regulatory framework.
Over the years, there has been significant increase in the awareness and use of information technologies (IT). Information and Communication Technology has entirely changed the way Countries and Nations manage business processes. Developing countries, and especially those in Africa (like Nigeria), that arrived late in the world of ICTs have been affected by technological changes. These multidimensional changes (technical, financial and economic, cultural, social and geo-political) have impacted upon almost all aspects of life: economic, education, communications, leisure and travels (Thioune, 2003). It is a known fact that the capability of a developing country to flourish in global economy depends on the nations’ objectives of ICT policies and their ability for proper implementation of such policies. Kimura F. (2020). According to Anie, 2011, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy is an official statement which spells out the objectives, goals, principles, strategies etc. intended to guide and regulate the development, operation and application of ICT. ICT policies must take into account other policies such as education policies, trade and investment policies, foreign policy, monetary policy, transport policy, etc. However, earlier studies have shown that most of the developing countries especially Nigeria, are yet to embrace fully the application of ICT in socio-economic and political life of the people (Policy and digital master plan for South Africa, 2020).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Telecommunication Service and Nigeria’s Digital Economy Challenges and Opportunities. Selected staff of MTN, Lagos form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Telecommunication Service and Nigeria’s Digital Economy Challenges and Opportunities. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing Telecommunication Service and Nigeria’s Digital Economy Challenges and Opportunities
Summary
This study was on Telecommunication Service and Nigeria’s Digital Economy Challenges and Opportunities. Three objectives were raised which included: Evaluate the current state of telecommunication infrastructure in Nigeria, Investigate the existing regulatory frameworks governing telecommunication services in Nigeria and assess the cybersecurity landscape in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, examining prevalent threats and vulnerabilities. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected staff of MTN, Lagos state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the challenges and opportunities identified in this study collectively underscore the transformative power of telecommunication services in shaping Nigeria’s digital economy. Strategic actions, collaboration between stakeholders, and a commitment to addressing challenges are imperative to fully harness the potential of telecommunication services. As Nigeria navigates its digital future, a proactive approach to infrastructure development, regulatory clarity, and cybersecurity resilience will be pivotal in unlocking the vast opportunities that lie ahead. This study serves as a foundation for informed decision-making, fostering a resilient and inclusive digital economy for the benefit of all.
Recommendation
Based on the comprehensive analysis of telecommunication services in Nigeria’s digital economy, the following recommendations are proposed to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities, fostering a more inclusive and resilient digital landscape:
- Investment in Broadband Expansion: The government should prioritize substantial investment in broadband infrastructure, aiming to increase penetration and ensure reliable, high-speed internet access across urban and rural areas.
- Network Coverage Improvement: Collaborative efforts between telecommunication service providers and relevant authorities are essential to expand network coverage, reducing connectivity gaps and ensuring comprehensive access.
- Policy Consistency and Clarity: Regulatory bodies should work towards creating a consistent and clear policy framework, providing a stable environment for telecommunication service providers and attracting potential investors.
- Streamlined Licensing Processes: Simplifying and expediting licensing processes can encourage new entrants, spur competition, and drive innovation within the telecommunication sector.
- Adoption of Advanced Cybersecurity Measures: Telecommunication service providers should invest in state-of-the-art cybersecurity technologies to safeguard digital infrastructure, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of digital transactions and user data.
- Collaboration for Threat Intelligence Sharing: Establishing collaborative platforms for sharing cybersecurity threat intelligence among industry players can enhance the collective resilience against evolving cyber threats.
References
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- Cairncross F. (1997): The Death of Distance: How Communication Revolution is Changing Our Lives. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. 3
- . Enugu State ICT Policy & Strategic Action Plan (2013): https://enugustate.gov.ng/wpcontent/uploads/2017/03/EMTDP-2010-2013.-FinalVersion-main4.pdf 4.
- Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette: The Nigerian Communication Act, 2003 https://www.microsoft.com/africa/4afrika/aboutus.aspx 5.
- Geeks4Geeks (https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-isdigital-finance/) 6. ICT and Digital Economy Masterplan for South Africa (2020): https://www.ellipsis.co.za/wpcontent/uploads/2020/08/ICT-and-Digital-EconomyMasterplan-for-South-Africa_Draft-for-discussion_- August_-2020.pdf 7.
- ICT Laws in Nigeria: Planning and Regulating a Societal Journey into the Future file:///C:/Users/Dr%20Promise/Downloads/ICT_Laws _in_Nigeria_Planning_and_Regulating_a_Soci.pdf. Accessed, 11th June 2022. 8.
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- Kimura F (2020). Developing a policy regime to support the free flow of data: A proposal by the T20 Task Force on Trade, Investment and Globalization. VoxEU.org, 7
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