By Isaac Mission
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 support the state’s growing digital economy initiatives.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday at the Enugu Government House, will allow the state government to convert the facilities into the Enugu Talent City and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute, a project designed to strengthen innovation, digital skills development and technology-driven entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the partnership as a significant step toward advancing the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope programme.
According to Maida, the collaboration reflects the federal government’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy powered by innovation, technology and private sector participation.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for prioritising investments in education, digital infrastructure and innovation, saying the state’s vision aligns with the original purpose of the NCC facilities.
Maida explained that the Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre were established to serve as platforms for developing digital talent, supporting startups, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities. He added that the centres would now play a greater role in nurturing entrepreneurs, expanding digital services and positioning Enugu as a destination for artificial intelligence, research, business process outsourcing and technology-enabled enterprises.
He also praised the state’s Smart Green Schools initiative, describing it as a forward-looking investment that equips young people with skills required for an increasingly digital future.
According to him, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping industries worldwide, making investments in digital education and innovation more important than ever.
Governor Peter Mbah welcomed the partnership, describing it as another milestone in Enugu’s ambition to become one of Nigeria’s leading technology and innovation hubs.
He noted that artificial intelligence is expected to contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy over the coming years and stressed that young Nigerians must be equipped with the skills needed to benefit from that transformation.
The governor said his administration intends to upgrade both the Digital Industrial Park and the Digital Bridge Institute into world-class centres for AI research, training and certification. He disclosed that discussions are already underway with international partners, including teams from Qatar, to establish a continental AI certification centre in Enugu.
Mbah added that the project would create employment opportunities while enabling talented young people to deliver digital services to global markets without leaving Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that the facilities would become productive assets capable of attracting investment, supporting innovation and driving economic growth across the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Arinze Chilo-Ofia, thanked the Federal Government and the NCC for entrusting the facilities to the state. He assured stakeholders that the government would maximise the assets to promote digital innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development.
The partnership is expected to strengthen Enugu’s position as an emerging technology ecosystem while supporting Nigeria’s broader objective of building a competitive digital economy.
