While Nigeria continues to forge ahead with its digitisation agenda, an expert has warned that the current impasse over the fine slammed on MTN Nigeria by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is a potential threat to progress and could result in the country missing the revised deadline.

According to broadcast and communication expert, Dr. Dele Odunlami, the rigidity being exhibited by the Nigerian government towards the resolution of the fine dilemma may discourage much-needed investor input into the digital migration agenda.

He said: "I am aware that MTN is investing heavily in technologies and infrastructure that will bolster Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Nigeria, particularly in the area of digital switch over, where Nigeria hopes to migrate from analogue broadcasting to digital broadcasting by June 2017. I know they have invested in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, capable of doing broadcast, data and voice. But, now that this issue of fine is dragging on for this long, I am afraid the company may be weighed down as I am sure they would want this matter resolved on time and I believe the earlier the matter is resolved, the better for the Nigeria economy."

"The Nigerian public share the sentiments of the government for patriotic reasons but it is not as bad it is was made to appear. There are major considerations with significant ripple effects on the general economy in this instance. For example, there is anxiety among people working in MTN majority of whom are Nigerians. There is anxiety among investors to whom President Buhari have continually waved the olive branch of a favourable investment environment in Nigeria. There is anxiety over possible bilateral bickering particularly since the visit of President Jacob Zuma to Nigeria was assumed to help in resolving the matter diplomatically. In all, there is a need to calm the nerves by quickly resolving the issue and we all move on as a nation," said Dr. Odunlami.

Digital boost

In the midst of pessimism over MTN fine and Nigeria's ability to meet the June 2017 deadline, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) has affirmed that Nigeria, especially its entertainment industry, would benefit a lot from the global presence it would secure from digital migration.

"I have personally witnessed how successful "Nollywood" films and series are in other corners of the world, such as in the Caribbean and in the Pacific islands where I have often travelled and where I can report here that people eagerly watch Nigerian films, and this change should help increase Nigeria's presence in the global broadcasting market," said Shola Taylor, Secretary-General of the CTO.

According to Taylor, there is now an opportunity to produce and broadcast significantly more educational content and more localised content. "Specialist television channels for health or education or tourism that were once too difficult or impossible to finance or set up are now possible today, helping ordinary citizens to access practical information more regularly and more readily."