Benue govt holds 1st telecom stakeholders’ summit, to prioritise digital infrastructure

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The first Benue telecommunication stakeholders’ summit has ended in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, with a call on telecommunication stakeholders in the State to deepen cooperation, prioritize digital infrastructure development, and collectively work toward transforming the state into a leading digital hub that connects communities with the opportunities of the 21st century.

The summit was organised by Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), with  the theme, “Building a Connected Benue: Driving Digital Broadband Investment, Policy Coordination and Digital Inclusion.”

A communiqué issued at the end of the summit by BDIC,  reaffirmed the company's commitment to providing cutting-edge, reliable digital infrastructure that supports innovation, enhances service delivery, and empowers every citizen of Benue State and beyond.

The communique which was signed by BDIC’s Chief Technology Officer (Infraco), Engr. Teryima Akaade, said Benue Digital Infrastructure Company remain the State’s designated Special Purpose Vehicle, adding that the summit brought together key stakeholders across government agencies, telecommunications operators, investors, development partners, and the private sector to chart a collaborative course for accelerating digital broadband investment, policy coordination, and digital inclusion in Benue State.

BDIC further  stated that the summit underscored the critical importance of aligning policy, investment, regulation, and infrastructure management to foster sustainable broadband expansion and socio-economic development.

It added that  participants acknowledged that the challenges of broadband deployment, right of way processing, and infrastructure protection required multi-sector collaboration, investment partnerships, and harmonized policy frameworks to unlock Benue’s full digital potential.

"The BDIC also expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Deputy Governor, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, members of the State Executive Council, representatives of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and all the participants, for their invaluable contributions to this summit.

"The company further reiterated its commitment to driving sustained broadband access, fostering digital inclusion, and building a prosperous future for Benue through innovation and strategic partnerships", the communique concluded.