Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman of MTN Nigeria says the company remains a veritable partner with government to grow the economy, creating jobs for over two million people, thereby supporting livelihoods across the country.
Dr. Ndukwe spoke against the background of a recent announcement by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that the telecoms sector contributed 16% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), during the MTN Capital Markets Days held on November 14 and 15 in Abuja.
Also affirming the role of the digital economy in the Nigerian economy, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani noted that the telecom sector “is now responsible for driving significant progress and productivity in our economy.”
While urging the private sector to engage more with the government, he stressed that “the best way for policies to work is for the private sector and investors to be willing to build with the government.”
There is need, he continued, “for the private sector and investors to understand that, while the government may be interested in opening up, the government will never learn if you don’t come and be part of building that economy.”
Also speaking, Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Nigeria, acknowledged the current turbulence in Nigeria’s economy while expressing optimism for the future.
“Doubtless, we are in turbulent times in Nigeria with economic challenges, but the entire world is facing the same. Most of the challenges in Nigeria’s economy are gradually getting behind us. With strong and clear direction from the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, he recognizes the role of the private sector and digital economy in moving the country forward,” he said.
For him also, as Nigeria continues to grapple with maximizing the benefits of its oil resources, it appears that the digital economy is a promising means to speed up the country’s economic progress.