{
  "id": 3932902,
  "title": "NCC pushes homegrown solutions to boost Nigeria’s digital independence",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/ncc-pushes-homegrown-solutions-to-boost-nigerias-digital-independence",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-28T09:54:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ncc-pushes-homegrown-solutions-to-boost-nigerias-digital-independence/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is urging increased investment in locally developed technologies to reduce Nigeria's dependence on foreign software and strengthen the country's digital sovereignty. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, made the call at the closing ceremony of the fourth NCC Hackathon Live Show in Abuja. Innovators showcased technology solutions targeted at persons with disabilities and other digitally excluded Nigerians. Maida stressed that Nigeria must transition from being a passive importer of foreign software to becoming a creator of locally engineered assistive technology tailored to local needs. He highlighted solutions ranging from artificial intelligence-powered speech-to-text technologies to accessible USSD platforms and inclusive mobile applications as building blocks for technological self-reliance. The NCC boss called on venture capitalists, telecommunications operators, and state governments to provide necessary investment and partnerships to move these innovations beyond prototypes. The NCC noted that about 25 million Nigerians experience at least one form of disability, and approximately 3.6 million face significant functioning difficulties. If digital products are not designed with accessibility in mind, persons with disabilities may be excluded from connectivity, education, employment, financial services, healthcare, and social participation. MTN Nigeria pledged its support for the innovators by offering infrastructure and exploring partnerships with startups. The Central Bank of Nigeria expressed interest in deploying some of the innovations to expand financial inclusion, targeting women, youths, persons with disabilities, and people in remote communities. The NCC Director of Digital Economy, Helen Obi, urged financial institutions to consider dedicated funding for young innovators. Sora, ClearSignal, and Ikor emerged as the top three winners of the hackathon, receiving N3m, N2m, and N1m respectively.",
  "summary": "The NCC advocates for increased investment in homegrown tech solutions to boost Nigeria’s digital independence and reduce reliance on foreign software. Dis Read More: https://punchng.com/ncc-pushes-homegrown-solutions-to-boost-nigerias-digital-independence/",
  "key_points": [
    "NCC urges investment in locally developed tech to boost digital independence.",
    "Innovators showcased solutions for persons with disabilities at hackathon.",
    "MTN Nigeria and CBN show support for NCC's push for homegrown tech."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "NCC pushes homegrown solutions to boost Nigeria’s digital independence",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/ncc-pushes-homegrown-solutions-to-boost-nigerias-digital-independence-3935334",
        "published": "2026-08-28T10:06:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}