Undeniably, technology has an immense impact on every facet of our lives.
From daily tasks to societal
functioning, technology serves as a catalyst for change, and economic development is no exception. It is
reshaping work processes, production methods, and consumption patterns. Technology not only drives
innovation and fosters growth opportunities but also presents challenges to traditional models of
economic development that professionals are accustomed to.
As we move forward, technology will continue to shape the landscape of economic development,
offering fresh prospects for businesses and individuals while introducing new obstacles. This article
explores the various ways in which technology is changing economic development.
The impact of technology on industries
Recent advancements in technology have had transformative impacts on all industries, either directly or
indirectly. To stay competitive and thrive in the evolving economy, industries have had to adapt to these
technological advancements, causing shifts in the way many industries function. Technology driven
impacts such as automation and digitalization have revolutionized processes, disrupted traditional
industries and caused significant job displacement. While the growing importance of data and analytics
has demonstrated the key role technology now plays in decision-making and reshaping the business
landscape.
Automation and Job Displacement
Automation has been a key impact of technology on most industries, and as a result, has caused
significant job displacements in the economy. Driven by advancements in robotics and artificial
intelligence, routine and repetitive tasks have been able to be automated and completed by technology,
increasing efficiency and productivity, and leading to short-term job losses due to the resulted reduced
demand for manual labor. However, despite the impacts on job displacement, automation has also
created opportunities for reskilling and upskilling workers to take on higher-value tasks and jobs that
require uniquely human skills, fostering a shift in the composition of the workforce.
The Digitalization of Industries and the Emergence of New Business Models
The digitalization of industries, driven by advancements in technology, is transforming traditional
processes into digital workflows, enabling businesses to streamline operations, enhance customer
experiences, and develop new business models. While this change has disrupted traditional industries
such as media, retail, and transportation, it also is creating new opportunities for companies to leverage
digital platforms, cloud computing, and data analytics to improve efficiency, personalize offerings, and
explore innovative revenue streams.
Changes in Production and Distribution Processes
The production and distribution process has also been revolutionized by technology, with advanced
manufacturing technologies like 3D printing reducing prototyping costs, accelerating production, and
enabling customization. These changes are improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing market
reach for many industries, while also facilitating global e-commerce, enabling businesses to reach
customers worldwide and reshaping traditional retail models.
The Increasing Importance of Data and Analytics in Decision-Making
For many industries, technology has exponentially increased the importance of data and analytics in
decision-making. Evolving technologies like big data analytics, machine learning, and predictive
modeling provide valuable insights for businesses, allowing organizations to optimize operations, target
customers, and develop informed strategies based on data-driven analysis, enabling companies to
better adapt to market changes and improve customer satisfaction.
The impact of technology on the creation of new opportunities for growth
In addition to transforming industries, technological advancements have greatly impacted the creation
of new growth opportunities in economic development. As companies strive to remain competitive and
thrive in the evolving economy, technology-driven avenues for growth have emerged, leading to the
establishment of a new digital economy, fostering new markets and collaboration, and enhancing
communication and remote work.
Growth of the Digital Economy:
Advancements in technology have driven the rapid rise of the digital economy, where business
predominantly occurs online, opening new avenues for economic activity, enabling businesses to reach
global markets and customers with ease. The digital economy is also providing new opportunities for
entrepreneurs, small businesses, and established companies to expand their reach and scale.
New Markets and Customers in an Increasingly Connected World:
As advancements in technology continue to increase the connectiveness of the world, businesses are
able to tap into new markets and customers. Through targeted marketing and personalized customer
engagement on digital platforms, businesses now have greater access to consumers beyond their
regions, creating new opportunities for export-oriented growth.
Improved Access to Information, Resources, and Services:
Access to information, resources, and services, largely driven by technological advancements have also
created new opportunities for growth by leveling the playing field for businesses and individuals. There
is greater access than ever before to a variety of knowledge, research, and educational resources. As a
result, businesses can innovate and compete more effectively.
Enhanced Communication and Collaboration:
Communication and collaboration capabilities have been significantly advanced with technological
advancements. Driven by the rise of communication platforms, companies can better connect, operate
efficiently, and engage in virtual teamwork. This newfound ability to connect and collaborate easily has
increased productivity, accelerated decision-making, and fostered cross-border partnerships. These
advancements in communication and collaboration capabilities have also opened up new possibilities
for remote work, creating new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
The challenges technology brings to traditional models of economic development
While the impact of technology on industries and opportunities for growth in economic development
may seem obvious, advancements in technology also bring challenges to traditional models of economic
development, and these challenges are often less evident.
Advancements in technology are causing the traditional models of employment, development and
governance to change, and these changes are posing significant challenges to the traditional models of
economic development.
The gig economy, which relies heavily on short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to
permanent employment, has been on the rise because of advancements in technology and poses
challenges regarding traditional models of employment. While the gig economy offers more flexibility
and independence to those within it, workers lack the job security, benefits, and legal protections
afforded to traditional employees. This is leading to greater income inequality and disrupting traditional
labor markets. Similarly, traditional models of employment are also being impacted by the increased
importance of human capital and skills in technology. Digital literacy, technological proficiency, and
adaptability are essential in today’s workforce, creating challenges for those that have limited access to
education and training in these fields. This is creating new inequalities and barriers to participating in
the digital economy.
(Mastercard Gig Economy Industry Outlook and Needs Assessment)
Traditional models of development are also changing due to advancements in technology, with the
digital divide and inequality becoming pressing concerns. The need for digital infrastructures is greater
than ever, and the lack of it in many places is threatening development. As unequal access to digital
technologies worsens existing social and economic disparities and restricts opportunities for education,
employment, healthcare, and civic participation, it also challenges economic development efforts.
(Statista: Internet access is low among the economically vulnerable)
Finally, traditional models of governance in economic development are facing challenges, as the rapid
pace of technological change requires government adaptation to the digital age. Governments are being
forced to adapt their policies and regulations to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, and
often these regulations fall behind the pace of technology
Looking to the future: How technology will continue to shape economic development
There is no doubt that technology will continue to shape the landscape of economic development in the
years to come. Embracing evolving technologies and navigating the various changes that it brings will
require active efforts from governments, businesses and individuals.
Recommendations for navigating these changes will require collaboration, lifelong learning, regulatory
adaptation, digital inclusion, and ethical considerations. Collaboration and partnerships from
governments, business and individuals can drive innovation, address societal challenges, ensure
inclusive growth, and leverage collective expertise and resources in navigating technological changes.
Furthermore, to keep up with the ever-evolving job market, individuals will need to prioritize
continuously updating their skills and remaining relevant, this must be supported by governments and
businesses through investments into education and training programs that equip individuals with future-
proof skills. Governments must take the lead in adapting policies and regulations to keep pace with
technological advancements, ensuring a balance between innovation and public interest, fair
competition and protecting consumers. Alongside regulatory adaptation, governments must also make
efforts to minimize the digital divide, ensuring inclusive access and encouraging businesses to design
their products and services to include diverse user needs and demographics. Finally, as technology
becomes more prominent in all aspects of our lives, it is crucial that governments, businesses, and
individuals focus on ensuring the ethical implications of their actions are considered.
While technology will without only become more important in our everyday lives, embracing navigating
these changes will require efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals, and these efforts will
be key to harnessing the benefits of technology while ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic
development.
THE ROLE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN ACHIEVING COMMUNICATIONEFFICIENCY IN NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This global modern technologies in the nineties had been such a glaring and widely exciting
experience. This leaves no body even a Thomas in doubt of what situation and trend will look like even
as we are now in the 21st century.
Expectedly, there will be an era of complete and total information revolutionary Age. This period
which is entire world finds themselves how is a peculiar and highly sophisticated communication age
that is characterized by a “Net-compact technology”.
In this topic of study , the role of modern technologies in achieving communication efficiency, its
very unfortunate and most painful that as the rest of the world are now in the modern information
technology, Nigeria and in fact the whole of African continent is still so abysmally bondaged and far from
this information paradise and communication age. This study aims at assessing critically the function of
modern technologies in the course of achieving efficiency in communication in Nigeria.
One can therefore review that the contention was that instead of moving ahead with others, we had
decided to go backwards and abysmally into the remote ancestral enclave of our fore fathers.
The statistical instrument used in deriving the sample size is the questionnaire which was distributed
randomly to some students in tertiary institutions, civil servants and also some communication
executives.
Nigeria needs to be in line with modern technologies in the race towards achieving efficiency in
communication. And therefore, it recommended that Nigeria government should start to support some
information and communication programmes and projects which will be capable of turning round the
communication culture turning round the communication culture to the yearnings and aspirations of
Nigerians.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
1.8 ASSUMPTIONS
1.9 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
REFERENCES
only knowledge but the inspirations, aspirations, zeal and will to explore more horizons in this virgin but
glaring area of communication research.
Furthermore, the study will be beneficial to the society, organizations and her agencies will not only
see the need to imbibe the modern communication culture into their environment but equally give
support, incentive and motivation towards the sustainability of this eventful ideas and communication
agenda.
Moreover, to beginners in the communication industry, the successes of BILL GATE and JAME
BACKDALE at Microsoft America will serve as an impetus to their concerted efforts towards recognition.
This study will help them in this direction by not only laying down the golden rule that ‘success can only
come where determination breeds” but their determination complemented by eludiluted dedications is
a hallmark of a reasonable and rational success. The discussion on the significance of this study will not
be completed if mention is not made on the role it will play in finding the solution to Nigeria’s sick
movement of his tory.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Some questions which this study will try to provide answers to
include:-
Have you heard of the modern information technology.
Have you ever used digital system in your office
Which do you prefer most in your business, the present digital information technology, or the crude
postal communication.
Do you think that Nigeria is prepares for the modern information technology.
RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
H1 present digital information technology is preferable to the crude postal communication in most
business organizations.
Ho present digital information technology is not preferable to the crude postal communication in most
business organization.
H2 The rate of Nigeria’s preparedness for the new information technology is at a slow pace.
H0 The rate of Nigerian’s preparedness for the new information
technology is not at a slow pace.
H3 The use of digital system as a modern technology is in vogue in
most offices in Nigeria.
DEFINITION OF TERMS: CONCEPTUALLY AND
OPERATIONALLY
In the process of conducting and final presentation of this study, there are so many words so
technical that they need to be defined for more understanding on the part of the audience of this
study. Such words are:
CONCEPTUALLY
TECHNOLOGY: This is an act of transmitting information and technical method of achieving a practical
purpose.
INTERNET: Are computers equipped with and connected to telephone and television networks.
GLOBAL VILLAGE: It means bringing the entire world to our door via digital and other electronic
hypersensitive means.
PROBLEMS: A question raised for enquiring consideration or solution.
COMMUNICATION: The activity or process of expressing ideas and feelings or of giving people
information.
PROSPECT: Something that is extended to the view ie looked forward to.
PERATIONALLY TECHNOLOGY: This is a process by which information is exchanged between
individual through a common system of symbols and the totality of the means employed to provide
objects necessary for human sustenance.
INTERNET: Worldwide system for sending and receiving electronic mail known as E-mail.
GLOBAL VILLAGE: Embracing the whole of a group of items especially in a place smaller than a town.
PROBLEMS: Dealing with a question concerning human conduct and social relationship.
PROSPECT: This means something that is awaited or expected to happen.
COMMUNICATION:
ASSUMPTION
The researcher assumes that modern information technologies
are very power and influential in achieving communication efficiency that every body will purchase and
make use of them.
All the people within the Nigerian society should be exposed to the full knowledge of modern
information technologies. It is assumed finally that the result got from this research work will help to
create some awareness to the society and thereby bring in full societal development
The government of Nigeria recognizes ICT as the enabler for developing other critical sectors including
education, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. In its drive to diversify the economy from oil and
gas, the government is encouraging partnerships between local ICT companies and foreign investors.6
Jun 2023
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Information and Communications Technology
Last published date: 2023-06-06
Overview
The information and communications technology (ICT) sector in Nigeria continues to play a pivotal role
in the nation’s recovery in the wake of an economic lull during the pandemic years. Data from the
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported that the ICT sector contributed 9.88% to the total
nominal GDP in Q4 of 2021, lower than the rate of 10.58 per cent recorded in the same quarter of 2020.
The figure reflects a declining shift as foreign exchange disparity widened and most organizations
returned to physical business operations.
Nigeria is regarded as Africa’s largest ICT market with about 82% of the continent’s telecoms subscribers
and 29% of internet usage. Sub-Saharan Africa is also projected to be the world’s fastest growing region
with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% and an additional subscriber enrollment of over
167 million in the next five years. Nigeria is expected to account for over 55% of this. The NCC estimates
that the country has about 85 million broadband subscriptions (penetration of 44%) and 206 million
lines in the voice segment (teledensity of 108%) as of June 2022.
In September 2021, the Nigerian government approved 5G in Nigeria. By December 2021, the Nigerian
Communications Commission (NCC) had completed auctions for the 3.5GHz spectrum, awarding 5G
operational licenses to MTN and MAFAB Communications. The NCC licensed Airtel a 5G spectrum on
December 5, 2022.
The four major mobile network operators in the country (Airtel, Globacom, MTN, and 9Mobile) continue
to strengthen their market share. Collectively, Nigeria has over 206 million mobile subscriptions. As of
July 2022, MTN dominates the GSM market with over 79 million subscribers (38.36%). This is closely
followed by Airtel with about 58 million subscribers (28.21%), Globacom has over 56 million (27.28%),
and 9Mobile with 12.6 million subscribers (6.14%).
The government of Nigeria recognizes ICT as the enabler for developing other critical sectors including
education, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. In its drive to diversify the economy from oil and
gas, the government is encouraging partnerships between local ICT companies and foreign investors. To
promote these partnerships and grow an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the technology sector, the
Nigerian government has supported government or private sector led incubator hubs, youth innovation
programs, and science technology parks.
Much like the federal government, several states have begun to implement policies and ICT projects that
may help to attract ICT investments and create an enabling business climate for their regions. The Lagos
state government announced the construction of a free tech zone that would allow for growth and
financing of innovative ideas and may become one of the major technology clusters in West Africa.
Similarly, the Edo state government is promoting a live-work-play project that is expected to support a
dynamic environment for innovation, growth, and development in technology.
Prominent among the partnerships with the private sector are collaborations with local accelerators like
iDEA and the Co-Creation Hub (CC-Hub) in Lagos. These initiatives have attracted foreign investors like
the Silicon Valley’s Y Combinator, who recently participated in pitches by Nigerian startups, and New
York ‘s Andela, which established an incubation center in Lagos to recruit and train talented Nigerians to
code and subsequently outsource them to foreign firms. In 2022, Microsoft launched its first African
Development Center (ADC) in Lagos. The facility is expected to recruit world-class African engineering
talent to develop innovative solutions that span the intelligent cloud and edge.
The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has overall responsibility for the ICT
sector. The ministry also has purview over three different agencies including the NCC as the regulator for
the telecoms industry; the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) regulates the broadcast industry;
and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is responsible for digital policy
implementation.
The Nigerian government in November 2019 launched the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy
(2020-2030) aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy toward opportunities that digital technologies
provide and to diversify the economy away from dependence on the oil and gas sector. The program is
based on 8-pillars for the acceleration of the Nigerian economy:
Developmental regulation
Digital literacy & skills
Solid infrastructure
Service infrastructure
Digital services development & promotion
Soft infrastructure
Digital society & emerging technologies
Indigenous content development & adoption
As part of measures to achieve this objective, the NCC rolled out the National Broadband Plan for 2020-
2025.
The Broadband Plan is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum 25 Mbps
in urban areas, and 10 Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the
population by 2025. As part of the initial broadband expansion plan, Nigerian government is seeking
private sector infrastructure partners in expanding last-mile access. To deepen broadband penetration
across the country, the NCC granted licenses to telecommunications infrastructure companies (infracos)
to provide telecommunication broadband infrastructure across the various geo-political regions of the
country, especially the rural populace. The infracos include:
MainOne Cable Company (Lagos zone)
IHS Holding Limited (north central and Abuja zone)
Zinox Technology Ltd (southeast zone) BCN (northwest zone)
Brinks Integrated Solutions Ltd (northeast zone)
Nigeria aspires to become one of the top economies in the world and the country recognizes ICT
development and broadband access as critical requirements to achieve this vision. This ambition,
however, remains far from being accomplished as several hurdles have encumbered broadband
expansion and investment opportunities for the sector. Some of the major challenges that have
affected the sector include long delays in the processing of permits; multiple taxation at federal, state,
and local government levels; multiple regulatory bodies; damage to existing fiber infrastructure as a
result of cable theft, road works and other operations; and right of way (ROW) charges implemented
incongruously by several state governments. This typically leads to the high cost of leasing transmission
infrastructure. Following criticisms and outcry by several stakeholders, the federal government has been
pushing for the states to review ROW charges as part of promoting ease of doing business and attracting
more investment. Currently, many states have started reviewing the charges above the federal-
approved rate of $0.37 (145 naira) per linear meter. Some states are providing zero cost for laying
broadband or any other telecommunications infrastructures to boost digital infrastructure rollout
outside of urban areas.
Following the rapid growth and progress in the country’s ICT landscape, the country’s international
connectivity improved from a single international submarine cable system with 340 GB total capacity
installed in 2001 to a total of five cable systems with a combined overall capacity of over 40 terabytes.
However, much of this remains unutilized because of inadequate distribution infrastructure and
channels to areas of need inland. This holds huge potential for Nigeria as increasing data capacity.
The future looks promising for this segment. The Nigerian mobile network operator and owner of the
GLO 1 submarine cable already announced ongoing work to launch a second submarine fiber cable –
GLO 2. GLO2 is expected to have a capacity of 12 terabit per second and be the first submarine cable in
Nigeria to land outside Lagos when completed. It is also intended to scale up for further expansion
southwards, including to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Angola. Meta announced its
‘2Africa’ project, laying subsea internet cables that will stretch 22,990 miles and interconnect Europe to
about 16 countries in Africa with 21 landings points, including Nigeria. Facebook notes that the cable,
upon completion, will provide nearly three times the total network capacity of all the subsea cables
serving Africa today, as well as support growth of 4G, 5G, and broadband access for hundreds of millions
of people. In April 2022, Google landed its Equiano subsea cable in Nigeria. Google’s Equiano cable is
expected to have nine branching units creating room for more international connectivity. In the Nigerian
terminal point, it is expected to yield about 20% reduction in internet retail prices, a sixfold increase in
internet speeds, and a 6% increase in internet penetration.
There are several other huge capital projects being championed by U.S. multinationals. U.S. firm Equinix
acquired MainOne, which had been one of Nigeria’s major tier-III data centers, with footprints in Ghana
and Cote d’Ivoire. Corning recently collaborated with Nigerian cable manufacturer, Coleman Technical
Industries Limited, for local manufacturing of fiber optic cables. Cisco Systems got the approval of
Nigerian government to develop six internet of things (IoT) labs across the country, with the focus of
building the necessary skillset among students. IBM is championing its Digital Nation Africa (IBM DNA)
program focused on empowering youths on the continent. The platform is designed to provide digital
knowledge with practical understanding and enhance digital careers.
The growth of e-services and cloud computing has fueled the demand for data services, simultaneously
creating the need for more reliable and high-quality broadband from service providers. The enterprise
application software (EAS) market is currently dominated by products from Asia and Europe, with some
imports from the United States, but the market segment for high quality products remains largely
available.
Nigeria has been able to maintain footprint in space through its communications satellite (NigComSat-
1R), which was launched in 2011. The satellite is expected to be retired around 2025. In March 2021,
NigComSat announced its call for expressions of interest (EOI) for additional communications satellites
from competent manufacturers, contractors, vendors, and partners in the satellite industry. Firms will
be pre-qualified for consideration in the implementation of the design, manufacture, launch, in-orbit
test, and commissioning of a high-through satellite (HTS). The statement from the agency notes that it
intends to increase its fleet of satellites to address a broad array of the communication needs of the
country in the areas of broadcasting, broadband, and internet services by procuring the manufacture
and launching of an HTS
