The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will canvas for more investor support to boost its broadband capacity at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Telecom World 2018 event scheduled for September in Durban, South Africa.

Tony Ojobo, Director for Public Affairs at the NCC said, "The theme of ITU Telecom World 2018 is 'Innovation for smarter Digital Development'. This year's participation will focus on attracting new investors to the much sought broadband segment of the sector. These investors will deepen Nigeria's quest for pervasive broadband whose penetration level currently stands at 22%."

Ojobo said the Nigerian delegation will be led by Communications Minister, Chief Abdulraheem Adebayo Shittu, NCC Board Chairman and Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Nigeria's Chief Telecoms Regulator and Executive Vice Chairman of NCC Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, as well as several industry stakeholders including mobile operators.

Nigeria is also competing for increased representation within the ITU as part of its Administrative Council, and has also nominated Williams Ijeh to stand for the position of Director in charge of the Bureau for Telecommunications Development (BDT).

Ojobo said the organisation will ride on the crest of successes the country recorded at the 2017 event hosted in South Korea.

At that event Nigeria was named Most Valuable Partner in recognition of the NCC's commitment and participation at ITU Telecom World events over the years, and was awarded a certificate of appreciation from the ITU Telecom World 2017.

"Nigeria also won the government award for being the most innovative Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) included as part of the nation's pavilion. No fewer than five SMEs/Innovators made the final ITU Global list for SMEs/Innovators awards. Three of them made the honours list," said Ojobo.

In April Danbatta presented Nigeria's position and canvassed support for the country during a dinner in Geneva, Switzerland attended by ITU Secretary General Houlin Zhao.

"Nigeria is one of the highest financial contributors to ITU in the African region and is a major player in ITU Telecom World activities for many years and therefore solicits for support towards its aspirations," said Danbatta.

In January, the NCC executive revealed that the country needs 120,000km or more of urban fibre networks if it is to reach its broadband penetration targets.