Experts predict minimal meltdown in ICT sector

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) experts, at the weekend, said that though the global economic crunch is real, it’s impacts are minimal in a developing economy like Nigeria.

They also said that demand for ICT product and services may decline despite that ICT remains an enabler for the survival of other sectors of the economy, thus an economic issue.

Chief executive officer, The Executive Cyberschuul, Mr. Titi Omo-Ettu and Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Dr. Okey Ugweje, agreed that though the global economic meltdown is real, but its impact would not be felt so much in Nigeria.

Both spoke at the two-day seminar at the Centre for Management and Development (CMD) Lagos, organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Lagos Council in conjunction with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Global Economic Meltdown: Effect on ICT with focus on ICT and Telecommunications Fundamental.

According to Ugweje, ICT sector may suffer set back in terms of lack of fund to continue on-going projects or no immediate fund to commence a new one.

“Existing projects would suffer because there would no fund for sustaining them,” he said, pointing out, however, that predictions have shown that this year the meltdown effect would continue till next year, when things may be reversed.

The effect on the Nigeria’s economy, especially ICT sector is negligible, he said.

Also speaking, Titi Omo-Ettu said that what else is expected of anyone who is already down, saying that he does not expect such economy like Nigeria to fall below what it is now.

Omo-Ettu dwelt on Introduction to Data Networking and interconnection modules during his lecture while Ugweje discussed Public and Private Networking by Broadband Technologies on the second day. Whereas the first day saw Ugweje and Fidelis Onah from NCC handling the theme of the seminar and introduction to Satellite Communications and overview of issues in telecoms regulation, spectrum management respectively.

Earlier, the NUJ council chairman, Wahab Oba, who was represented by the vice chairman, Mr. ‘Deji Elumoye, commended NCC for the support for the seminar, saying that participants were able to x-ray the effects of the ravaging economic recession on Nigeria and ICT sector.

According to him, experts in ICT sector, delivered relevant papers on topical issues which left participants more educated in telecommunications fundamentals.

Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, who was represented by the Acting Head, Public Affairs at the commission, Mr. Reuben Muoka at the event, expressed determination to ensure due process in reduction of tariffs, while soliciting for continued support of Nigerian media practitioners in enlightening the public on how telecommunications work so as to gain optimally.

Certificates were later presented to participants.

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