The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has signed a 15-year lease agreement with the Enugu State Government, handing over its Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre to drive innovation, digital skills development and artificial intelligence (AI) education in the state.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday at the Government House in Enugu, will see the facilities transformed into the Enugu Talent City and a world-class AI Institute, in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s digital economy agenda.
Speaking at the ceremony, NCC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the partnership as a major step towards achieving President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of building a $1 trillion economy powered by innovation, productivity and technology.
Maida praised Governor Mbah’s investments in Smart Green Schools, digital infrastructure and technology-driven education, noting that the facilities would provide opportunities for young people to acquire digital skills, support startups, create jobs and attract investments.
He stressed that the partnership would position Enugu as a leading destination for artificial intelligence, digital services, research, startup incubation and technology-enabled businesses.
Governor Peter Mbah, in his remarks, commended President Tinubu and the NCC for supporting states in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. He said the facilities would help retain and empower talented young people by enabling them to export their skills globally without leaving the country.
Mbah disclosed that the state plans to upgrade the Digital Bridge Institute into a world-class AI institute while transforming the Digital Industrial Park into a continental AI certification centre in partnership with international stakeholders.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration would unlock employment opportunities, boost innovation and establish Enugu as a leading technology hub in Africa.
Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Digital Economy and MSMEs, Arinze Chilo-Ofia, appreciated the Federal Government and the NCC for entrusting the state with the facilities, assuring that the assets would be fully optimised to achieve their intended objectives.
