Stakeholders in the telecommunications sector of the economy converged on Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, on Tuesday, October 7, to chart a course for accelerating digital broadband investment, policy coordination, and digital inclusion in Benue State.
The stakeholders were drawn from across government agencies, telecommunications operators, investors, development partners, and the private sector for the first Benue Telecommunication Stakeholders’ Summit, held under the theme “Building a Connected Benue: Driving Digital Broadband Investment, Policy Coordination, and Digital Inclusion.”
Engr. Teryima Akaade, Chief Technology Officer, Infraco, Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), in a remark, said the summit marks a defining moment in building a connected Benue.
“Through this summit, we are aligning policy, investment, and regulation to accelerate broadband access, strengthen digital infrastructure, and create opportunities for every Benue citizen,” Engr. Akaade stated.
He explained that sustainable broadband expansion requires collaboration, investment partnerships, and policy harmonisation, especially around Right of Way (ROW), infrastructure protection, and shared deployment.
Representatives of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and telecos, including Globacom, MTN, Ntel, T2 Mobile (formerly 9Mobile); the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other stakeholders underscored the critical importance of aligning policy, investment, regulation, and infrastructure management to foster sustainable broadband expansion and socio-economic development.
Commissioner for Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Kwaghgba Amande, who acknowledged the commitment of Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to ensuring digital governance, described the summit as critical to the governor’s vision.
He explained that to demonstrate commitment, the governor has issued an Executive Order for Right of Way for fibre optics without charges in all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.
BDIC was established as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to provide reliable and cutting-edge digital infrastructure that fosters innovation, enhances service delivery, and promotes socio-economic development in Benue State and beyond. The company’s vision is to become Nigeria’s leading digital infrastructure provider, recognised for excellence in service delivery, technological innovation, and its contribution to the digital economy.
