Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, the Chairman of MTN Nigeria, announced that the company has created employment for more than 2 million people, supporting livelihoods across the country. He made this statement during the MTN Capital Markets Days, held on November 14 and 15 in Abuja.
Dr. Ndukwe’s revelation follows a recent announcement by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that the telecoms sector contributed 16% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani also affirmed the role of the digital economy in Nigeria. He said, “This sector (telecom) is now responsible for driving significant progress and productivity in our economy.”
He urged the private sector to engage more with the government, stating, “The best way for policies to work is for the private sector and investors to be willing to build with the government. 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.”
Karl Toriola, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Nigeria, also spoke, acknowledging 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.
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.