NCC to leverage DBI’s ITU-designated Transformation Centre to accelerate digital literacy

*The Nigerian Communications Commission moves to leverage the Digital Bridge Institute’s designation as an International Telecommunication Union’s Digital Transformation Centre, to accelerate digital inclusion, innovative skills to advance the burgeoning Nigeria Digital Economy

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of efforts at accelerating digital literacy across the ecosystem, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed it will leverage the Digital Bridge Institute’s (DBI) designation as an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Digital Transformation Centre (DTC).

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC said the move would enhance digital inclusion, and equip more Nigerians with the needed skills needed to participate effectively in the country’s burgeoning digital economy.

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The telecoms sector regulatory Commission states this Wednesday, September 30, 2026, while receiving Ms. Robyn Fysh, Senior Digital Skills Officer of ITU, who paid a courtesy visit to the NCC Head Office, in Abuja, FCT.

The NCC said Ms. Fysh’s visit to its Headquarters took place on the sidelines of her official engagement in Nigeria.

It also noted the engagement formed part of her mission to DBI, following the Institute’s designation by the ITU as a Digital Transformation Centre (DTC).

This is described as a recognition that places DBI within a global network of institutions dedicated to advancing digital skills and digital transformation initiatives.

Besides, DBI serves as the ITU’s Digital Training Academy (DTA) in the West African country.

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Engr. Babagana Digima, Director of Research and Development of the Commission, received Ms. Fysh and members of the DBI delegation led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David Daser on behalf of Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC.

Receiving the delegation, Engr. Digima reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to innovation, capacity development, and digital transformation.

He noted that DBI’s designation as an ITU Digital Transformation Centre has presented a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration among the NCC, DBI and the ITU in advancing digital skills development and digital inclusion across the West African country.

Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, in a statement also quoted the NCC Director of Research and Development to have said: “DBI’s recognition as an ITU Digital Transformation Centre is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s digital skills ecosystem and an opportunity to expand access to digital literacy and capacity-building programmes across the country.”

Digima stated that the Commission considers digital literacy and capacity building critical enablers of the Nigeria Digital Economy aspirations.

He equally expressed confidence that DBI’s new designation would further strengthen access to quality digital skills training, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations across Nigeria.

The Director of Research and Development, therefore, described DBI’s dual designation as a landmark achievement that offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to simultaneously tackle digital exclusion and develop globally competitive ICT expertise.

Digima said: “The NCC remains committed to initiatives that equip Nigerians with the skills needed to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

“We will continue to work closely with relevant government agencies, state governments, development partners and other stakeholders to expand access to digital skills training and ensure that no community is left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.”

How ITU values strong partnership with NCC, DBI: Fysh

Earlier, Ms. Robyn Fysh commended the longstanding collaboration between the NCC and the ITU in advancing digital development initiatives and promoting digital skills acquisition.

Fysh stated: “The ITU values its strong partnership with the NCC and DBI, and we are encouraged by the progress being made to advance digital skills and inclusion in Nigeria.”

She noted that the engagement provided an opportunity for the three organisations to exchange ideas, strengthen collaboration, and explore areas of mutual interest in support of a shared vision.

According to her, the vision is to accelerate digital transformation and empower citizens through digital skills and innovation in Nigeria.

Providing an overview of the programme, the Senior Digital Skills Officer of ITU also explained that the ITU Digital Transformation Centres initiative, launched in partnership with Cisco 2019, has reached over 870,000 participants globally, with women accounting for more than half of the beneficiaries.

Fysh said the programme was focused on equipping individuals in underserved communities with practical skills that improve employability, entrepreneurship, and participation in the digital economy.

She further said: “DBI’s new status as a Digital Transformation Centre will help strengthen efforts to empower more people with relevant digital skills and opportunities.”

Daser: Achievement reflects ITU confidence in DBI, unwavering support of NCC

Speaking at the event also, Mr. David Daser, President of DBI, expressed appreciation to the NCC Management for their unwavering support, which he noted has enabled the Institute to pursue, and attain its recognition by the ITU as a Digital Transformation Centre in the country.

Daser said: “This achievement reflects the confidence of the ITU in DBI and the unwavering support of the NCC in advancing digital capacity development in Nigeria.”

The President of DBI also disclosed that the Institute recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first institution globally to simultaneously hold the status of an ITU Academy Training Centre (ATC) and an ITU Digital Transformation Centre (DTC), following support received from the NCC.

The importance of the NCC’s continued involvement in scaling the initiative nationwide, said he.

Daser further noted: “As a prominent state actor, the NCC can help drive this agenda by leveraging its infrastructure, networks and partnerships to extend digital skills training and certification opportunities to underserved communities nationwide.”

The DBI Chief explained how the initiative aligns with the objectives of Nigeria’s National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which targets 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.

Achieving that goal, he stated, would require stronger collaboration and sustained investment in digital skills development, particularly for underserved populations.

The President of DBI as well acknowledged the pivotal role the NCC played throughout the journey.

He described the achievement as a testament to the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthening Nigeria’s digital capacity while positioning the West African country as a leading hub for digital skills development in Africa.

He said: “As a Digital Transformation Centre, we are better positioned to expand our impact and support the development of a digitally skilled workforce for Nigeria and Africa.”