5G, IoT, AI, OTHERS OFFER LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES BUT… – NCC HEAD OF CORPORATE PLANNING
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Head of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management at Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Kelechi Nwankwo has assured that there are limitless possibilities to the technological innovation and development that the world is experiencing. He, however, noted that there are great risks accompanying great opportunities. He made this known during the just-concluded Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference which held in Lagos.
Mr. Kelechi Nwankwo affirmed that the Commission is determined to provide leadership which will help the telecoms industry in Nigeria to navigate the times. ‘You may recall the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, had in a consultation with the Industry and Media executives, reiterated that the Commission is looking at reviewing the current operating standards and introducing new standards which are in line with international best practices. This is to facilitate resilience in the communications industry. Therefore, as we gather here today under the theme, “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends,” we embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in a rapidly evolving landscape of the telecoms industry. We must thus analyse, adapt, and effectively manage the risks that accompany innovation and development!’
Trek Africa Newspaper can also report that Nwankwo cited some areas which work is needed. ‘The fast-disruptive world of the telecoms industry has witnessed convergence of diverse technological advancements with the potential of reshaping our future. From 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to Cloud Computing and beyond, the possibilities are limitless. However, with great opportunities, comes great risks, and it is our collective responsibility to address these risks and possibly safeguarding the industry’s growth and sustainability.’
‘The World Economic Forum (WEF) in a survey of global leaders on the five risks most likely to present material crisis on a global scale in 2024, reported AI-generated misinformation/disinformation as number two (2) and cyberattacks as number five (5). These two are technological risks. The number one (1) risk is extreme weather (environment) while numbers three (3) and four (4) are societal/political polarisation and cost-of-living crisis respectively, which are societal issues.’
‘Together, we will engage in discussions, gain key insights from industry experts, share experiences, and develop strategies to navigate through this ever-changing landscape. How we can mitigate technological risks and use technological innovations to provide solutions to address environmental, societal, economic (disruption of supply chains for critical goods & resources) and geopolitical (attacks on critical infrastructure) challenges, appears critical. The telecoms industry has gone through remarkable transformations, and it is our responsibility to stay informed, prepared, and proactive in managing the potential risks ahead. Let us begin this remarkable journey together as we explore the evolution and future of risk management in the telecom industry while harnessing the benefits from emerging technologies and trends’, Nwankwo concluded.
