NCC appoints princess Emiko as interim DBI chair to drive digital economy transformation

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as the Interim Chairman of the governing board of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), signaling a major step in the Commission’s efforts to reposition the institution for the evolving demands of Nigeria’s communications sector and digital economy.

The appointment forms part of a broader strategy aimed at transforming the Institute into a leading centre for advanced digital skills development, research, innovation, and policy engagement in support of Nigeria’s growing technology ecosystem.

Joining Princess Emiko on the interim board are Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services at the NCC, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, who will serve as interim board members. The new leadership team will work closely with the President and Chief Executive Officer of DBI, Mr. David Daser, alongside existing board members whose tenures remain valid.

The NCC said the interim board is expected to provide strategic direction and accelerate reforms designed to position the Institute as a critical enabler of Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

Founded by the NCC in May 2004, the Digital Bridge Institute was established as a specialised training centre focused on telecommunications and information technology capacity building. Over the past two decades, however, the communications landscape has undergone significant changes, expanding beyond traditional telecommunications into a dynamic digital economy driven by emerging technologies, innovation, and digital infrastructure.

Industry stakeholders note that the rapid pace of technological advancement now requires continuous professional development and specialised technical training to meet the needs of both the public and private sectors. Communications infrastructure has also become increasingly important to national development, security, and economic competitiveness.

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Against this backdrop, the NCC’s decision to reposition DBI reflects a broader national objective of strengthening Nigeria’s digital capabilities and ensuring the country remains competitive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

A key focus of the transformation agenda is Nigeria’s youthful population. With approximately 70 per cent of the country’s citizens under the age of 30, the Commission believes the revamped Institute can play a significant role in equipping young Nigerians with advanced digital and technical skills needed for the future workforce.

The initiative is expected to help bridge existing skills gaps, support technology adoption, and create opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship across the communications sector and the wider digital economy.

As part of its new strategic direction, the Digital Bridge Institute will concentrate on five core areas: Education and Training, Research and Development, Innovation, Economic Impact and Growth, and Emerging Policy and Regulation.

The repositioning effort has also benefited from extensive inter-agency collaboration. Beyond engagements with the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, consultations were held with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

Observers say the broad-based collaboration underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to building a robust digital skills ecosystem capable of supporting innovation, economic growth, and long-term national development.

The new interim board is expected to oversee the implementation of reforms that will strengthen DBI’s role as a premier institution for digital capacity building and position it to meet the emerging demands of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.