NCC Leases Digital Industrial Park, Learning Centre to Enugu Government

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has signed a 15-year lease agreement with the Enugu State Government for the management of its Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre in Enugu.

The agreement, signed on Tuesday at the Government House in Enugu, is expected to support the state’s digital economy strategy by transforming the facilities into the Enugu Talent City and Artificial Intelligence Institute.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the partnership as one that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy driven by innovation, technology and private sector growth.

According to Maida, the facilities were established to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, digital skills development and human capital growth.

He expressed confidence that the Enugu State Government is well-positioned to maximise the potential of the assets through its investments in education, infrastructure and technology.

Maida said the facilities would help position Enugu as a major destination for digital services, artificial intelligence, startup incubation, outsourcing, research and technology-driven enterprises.

He added that the centres would provide opportunities for young people to acquire relevant digital skills, support entrepreneurs in developing innovative businesses and connect local enterprises with global markets.

The NCC chief also praised Governor Peter Mbah’s Smart Green Schools initiative, describing it as a forward-looking investment in technology-enabled education.

He noted that advances in artificial intelligence, automation and digital technologies are transforming economies worldwide, making investments in education and digital skills increasingly important.

Governor Peter Mbah welcomed the partnership and commended President Tinubu for prioritising digital transformation as a key component of Nigeria’s economic growth strategy.

He said artificial intelligence is projected to contribute about 20 trillion dollars to the global economy by 2030, stressing that Enugu intends to position its young population to benefit from emerging opportunities.

Mbah disclosed plans to upgrade the Digital Bridge Institute into a world-class artificial intelligence institute while transforming the Digital Industrial Park into a continental certification centre for AI in collaboration with international partners.

He expressed confidence that the facilities would create jobs, stimulate innovation and contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.