Introduction to the Digital Awareness and Sensitization Fora
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is preparing to host the first-ever edition of the Digital Awareness and Sensitization Fora. This event aims to serve as a platform for strengthening policy and innovation in preparation for a digital future. The primary goal of these fora is to create an environment that supports the development of infrastructure for innovation and inclusion, ultimately laying the foundation for bridging the gap between policy and infrastructure to drive national development.
Theme and Purpose of the Event
The maiden edition of the forum will focus on the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Digital Assets, Equity, and Empowerment.” Scheduled for November 13, 2025, this event will bring together industry experts, policymakers, and community stakeholders to discuss practical solutions aimed at closing the digital divide. The sessions are expected to cover various topics such as designing inclusive digital policies, promoting the deployment of accessible infrastructure, developing adaptive digital literacy programs, and advocating for affordability and accessibility in digital services.
Importance of Youth Engagement
Africa has the youngest population globally, with 60% of its people under the age of 25. Nigeria contributes significantly to this figure, and the NCC recognizes the potential of this demographic as a valuable asset. The commission is committed to leveraging the untapped potential of young people while ensuring that the rest of the population is included in the digital landscape.
Commitment to Internet Safety and Inclusion
In addition to its commitment to ensuring the safety of over 140 million internet users, the sensitization efforts are designed to highlight the importance of inclusive participation in Nigeria’s digital economy. The event will bring together key stakeholders from regulatory bodies, academia, the private sector, and development partners to deliberate on how digital access and innovation can be harnessed to empower underserved communities, drive equity, and promote national development.
Collaborative Efforts and Partnerships
The Digital Awareness and Sensitization Fora is a collaborative effort involving various industry stakeholders and organizations. These include the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS). Additional participants are the Association of Telecommunications Operators on Nigeria (ATCON), FintechNGR, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Terra Industries, Association of Nigerian Inventors (ANI), Secondary Education Board (SEB), Nigerian University Commission (NUC), Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONWAD), Imose Technologies, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Features of the Event
The event will feature panel discussions, exhibitions by innovators, fintech organizations, and students. This environment will provide an opportunity to showcase innovations that reflect the creativity and potential of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Access and Participation
To ensure nationwide access and participation, the event will be livestreamed via a dedicated portal at scf.ncc.gov.ng. This initiative aims to make the event accessible to a broader audience, allowing more individuals to engage with the discussions and presentations.