The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in line with its renewed strategic focus, has established a new Digital Economy Department. This department is specifically tasked with the implementation of programs and policies that support and advance the Federal Government's national digital economy agenda. The creation of this crucial department received approval from the Commission's Governing Board during its most recent meeting and is strategically positioned under the Office of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC.

Professor Umar Danbatta, the EVC of NCC, explained that the new department aligns with the Commission’s strategy to form a dedicated team. This team's sole responsibility is to vigorously promote the Federal Government’s digital economy vision, which is spearheaded by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami. The placement of this department directly under the EVC’s Office underscores the high importance the Commission places on successfully driving the government’s overall national digital economy strategy through effective monitoring and supervision.

Danbatta further clarified that the new department will operate in conjunction with the eight pillars outlined in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) document. Furthermore, the Broadband Implementation Unit, which was previously part of the Special Duties Department, along with all its staff, will be transferred to the newly formed Digital Economy Department. Engr. Babagana Digima, an Assistant Director from the Special Duties Department, has been appointed as the pioneer Head of this new department.

The NDEPS, a pivotal national policy document, was officially unveiled by President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2019. Its primary goal is to provide the necessary momentum for achieving the Federal Government’s Economy Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). The digital economy policy document is structured around eight key pillars, each designed to foster comprehensive digital growth across various sectors.

These eight pillars include: Firstly, Developmental Regulation, which focuses on ensuring effective regulation of the ICT and digital sector to enable consistent development. Secondly, Digital Literacy and Skills, which aims to provide policy support for extensive training programs to equip Nigerians from all walks of life with essential digital literacy and other digital skills. This pillar is set to facilitate widespread training initiatives across the nation.

The third pillar, Solid Infrastructure, is dedicated to the deployment of both fixed and mobile infrastructure to significantly increase broadband penetration throughout the country. Following this, Service Infrastructure is designed to support Government Digital Services and the establishment of robust digital platforms crucial for driving the digital economy. The Soft Infrastructure element focuses on enhancing public confidence in using digital technologies and encouraging broader participation in the digital economy.

Digital Services Development and Promotion constitutes the sixth pillar, addressing the necessity of cultivating a vibrant digital ecosystem. This pillar supports Innovation-driven Enterprises (IDE) and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in a manner that fosters innovation. The seventh pillar, Digital Society and Emerging Technologies, aims to connect the growth of the digital economy directly to improvements in the well-being of ordinary citizens, while also mentoring startups on emerging technologies and facilitating the deployment of their solutions.

Finally, the eighth pillar of NDEPS is Indigenous Content Development and Adoption. This pillar centers on providing a comprehensive policy framework that prioritizes digitally-skilled Nigerians for government-funded projects, in strict adherence to Executive Orders 003 and 005 issued by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. As the primary telecom regulator, the NCC is strategically positioned to play a vital role in the overarching implementation of this digital economy policy and strategy.

The creation of this new department underscores the Commission's commitment to effectively regulating the telecoms industry, thereby driving the government’s digital economy policy. Danbatta affirmed that, beyond injecting new dynamism into existing digital economy functions, the establishment of this department significantly amplifies the Commission’s commitment to 'Regulatory Excellence,' which is one of the five core pillars of its Strategic Management Plan (SMP) 2020-2024. The department will oversee the implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020-2025.