In quest to regulate digital communication technologies and bolster the nation’s economy, Independent Diplomat Jonah Ubanmhen, in a recent online interview has laid the foundation for how to review decades-old regulations and allow Nigeria to rein in the benefits of a new digital world. The changes are to be set out in a high level reforms for which a proposal is to be submitted to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nation’s agency for ICT technologies
In order to make a breakthrough and boost economic growth under the current media architecture, the NIGERIA Institutional Reform Group, ably led by Jonah has proposed a four-year strategic plan with the UN’s International Telecommunications Union to help ensure digital broadcasting protections in Nigeria and the West Africa Sub-region as well as keeping close eyes on trends in other countries such the Morocco, South Africa, Kenya and Rwanda as well as United States, France, Canada, Russia, and China.
Jonah noted that “bold regulatory approaches are needed to guide ground-breaking technology start-ups and growing business, foster collaboration and drive digital transformation in the new digital world. “This is the time where Nigcomsat (Nigerian Communications Satellite) should drive the process by taking a big leap so that Nigeria can effectively take her digital technology forward. Nigeria have the ability to become a benchmark in the regulatory regime worldwide in line with ITU Secretary-General Bogdan-Martin’s vision of a digital future”.
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Jonah further said that the time has come when Nigeria comes first in making global policies and ITU regulations. “ITU is a global organization, and digital communication happens to be a global affair. Therefore, we need a new cooperation to drive the sustainability of our communication networks. I really believe we need ITU’s regulatory leadership on digital broadcasting to guarantee that we don’t focus on wrong priorities. Otherwise, we could end up with digital laws that doesn’t fit the economic or business environment.”
He noted that the Geneva- based International Telecommunications Union’s structure will allow for setting-up of regulations for easier use of the digital space. “We can work towards protecting the country’s interests as well as other developing nations look towards Nigeria,” Jonah added
He stressed further that “Building a shared digital future is the responsibility of all nations and Nigeria is committed to playing her part to help other nations of the world close the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of the global digital space can be enjoyed by all.”
At the same time, He stressed that Nigeria be quick to present proposals for the establishment of a framework for the governance and use of new media tools and to ensure the effective protection of technology that travels through the digital broadcasting space.
This proposal will focuses on technology safety, including promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms digitally and ensuring that people can access safe and reliable broadcast services globally. “In signing this Cooperation, Nigeria and her partners will work together to promote this vision and its principles globally,” Jonah said.
Meanwhile, analysts are of the view that with the launch of this initiative by Jonah and his team the digital broadcast regulatory space is capable of creating an economic fortune for Nigeria. Majority of the analysts say this is a major diplomatic win for Nigeria to effectively contribute to digital broadcast regulations over the next four years, and become a “data science and technology hub in the comity of nations.
Although there were few other details, analysts said it was remarkable that Jonah had spoken publicly about his plans for economic growth.
He said, “ Our dynamic world urgently needs improved digital cooperation to capitalize on the transformational potential of technology to create new jobs, boost financial inclusion, close the gender gap, spur a green recovery and redesign our nation to be more prosperous and inclusive,” he said. “Now is the time to act. I believe this is one of the new projects that can make a change in the next four years. So, on a very high-level, I would say that we are building those bridges to bring hope and opportunity to all by creating an inclusive and innovative and sustainable digital future for all.”
