Anambra and Lagos States, together with top experts in technology and infrastructure development, recently convened in Lagos, Nigeria, to deliberate on and create regulatory frameworks aimed at advancing digital infrastructure across Africa.
The event, known as the Hyperscalers Convergence Africa Conference, brought together esteemed panelists including Olatubosun Alake, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology of Lagos State, and Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency.
During the conference, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, introduced the success story of Anambra State’s digital infrastructure development, highlighting the crucial role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Agbata commended Governor Charles Soludo’s decision to waive Right of Way (RoW) charges, as it attracted investors and increased ease of doing business in the state. He further emphasized the importance of collaborating with local partners to enhance connectivity and economic grow
th, ultimately providing the civil service with access to the internet for the first time.
One of the key strategies in Anambra’s digital transformation plan is forging partnerships with local businesses to expand digital access across government institutions. Agbata stressed that such collaborations are not only critical for Anambra but for all states, as efficient resource management is essential in addressing diverse governance priorities. He concluded that partnerships are vital to modern governance, as they facilitate progress in areas like digital infrastructure without burdening government resources.
Olatubosun Alake, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology of Lagos State, highlighted the significance of stakeholder consultation and advocacy, particularly when engaging with the private sector. He encouraged companies to establish their own codes of conduct to ensure smooth interactions with the government and legislative bodies. Alake emphasized the pivotal role of ease of doing busin
ess in attracting investors and underscored the importance of well-equipped personnel in the civil service, advocating for competitive pay packages to deliver optimal service.
Other distinguished panelists at the conference included Dr. Ayotunde Coker, Chairman of the Africa Data Centres Association; Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria; and Douglas Njenga, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Special Projects at the WIOCC Group. The session was moderated by Sade Dada, the Public Policy Manager for Anglophone West Africa at Meta.
The discussions at the conference emphasized the critical role of regulatory frameworks, partnerships, and targeted reforms in driving digital infrastructure development not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
Source: Voice of Nigeria