LIT expands operations to accelerate FG’S broadband target

LIQUID Intelligent Technologies ( LIT) has expanded its operations in Nigeria to assist the Federal Government achieve the objectives of the National Broadband Plan ( 2021 – 2025) and transform the country into a leading digital economy as enshrined in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy ( 2020 – 2030).

LIT, with operations in 20 countries, is a provider of digital infrastructure, such as offering high- speed connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity, unified communications, Internet of Things ( IOT) and Artificial Intelligence ( AI) solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players such as Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon and Google. • NCC facilitates firm's licensing for provision of wholesale, enterprise, retail services

Speaking at the launch of LIT'S operations in Nigeria, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, commended the firm for years of achievements in the technology space, while also creating positive impacts in the African cross- border fibre network and supporting digital penetration in the Nigeria digital ecosystem.

He said the rapid development of emerging technologies such as blockchain, cloud computing, AI, IOT, and associated technologies have enabled heterogeneous economic sectors to be more integrated, leading to a significant effect on the nation's growth across countries.

Pantami was represented at the launch by the Architect Manager, National Information Technology

Development Agency ( NITDA), Dr. Falilat Olaitan Jimoh.

"Across global supply chains, financial services, healthcare, government, and many other industries, innovators are exploring and leveraging the Internet to disrupt and transform traditional process models. Many industry leaders have already achieved significant business benefits, including greater transparency, enhanced security, improved traceability, increased efficiency, speed of transactions and reduced costs," he said.

According to the minister, connectivity has become a necessity and a key driver of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, hence, the government's commitment to ensuring the unserved and underserved have broadband access, which is in alignment with the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy ( NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria.

He said to achieve this, there is a need to create an enabling environment for organisations such as LIT to promote universal access to digital infrastructure, enhance digital penetration, and support access to devices and address affordability.

The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Commission ( NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, said much more attention has been placed on the Information and Communication Technology ( ICT) sector and ICT- enabled activities to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product ( GDP) of the country.