The telecommunications regulator said in a statement in Lagos, that the investment opportunities would ensure improvement both in the quantity and quality of connectivity, to telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

NCC said that the Nigerian delegation to Dubai was led by the Executive Vice-Chairman of the commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta.

The commission said that it was seeking investment opportunities at the ongoing Commonwealth ICT Investment Forum 2017.

According to NCC, the ongoing forum is convened to address major investment needs in the next generation networks, technologies and innovative services.

“A growing number of governments, international organisations and ICT stakeholders are presenting and advocating initiatives, strategies and programmes, in relation to connecting the next 1.5 billion people.

“But funding challenges continued to stymie efforts of governments and other stakeholders in this regard.

“This forum is a multi-stakeholder partnership for synergy that brings together ICT and finance ministers, finance regulators, telecommunications operators, investment bankers and lawyers.

“It brings together consultants, infrastructure and technology providers, international bodies and investment promotion agencies to explore opportunities for investments to unleash the potential of ICTs in the Commonwealth and beyond,” it said.

The commission said that the forum was convened under the thematic focus of ”Connecting the Next 1.5 Billion People”.

It said that participants were reflecting on many issues including: ICTs for socioeconomic development; national development plans, and the role of ICTs; financing by multilateral donors and development banks.

The forum, which holds from April 10 to April 12 will also reflect issues on the role of commercial lenders in financing ICTs; leveraging investment funds to finance ICTs; role of venture capital and creating innovative financing packages. (NAN)