FG partners EU on Digital Single Market in Nigeria

The federal government has said it is partnering with the European Union to establish a Digital Single Market in Nigeria. Minister of Communications, Bar. Adebayo Shittu disclosed this at the ongoing 2017 Information Communication Technology and Telecommunication Expo (2017 ICTEL Expo), holding at Eko Hotels in Lagos. He said Nigeria’s population makes it the most […]

The federal government has said it is partnering with the European Union to establish a Digital Single Market in Nigeria.

Minister of Communications, Bar. Adebayo Shittu disclosed this at the ongoing 2017 Information Communication Technology and Telecommunication Expo (2017 ICTEL Expo), holding at Eko Hotels in Lagos.

He said Nigeria’s population makes it the most lucrative investment destination in sub-Sahara Africa with a high return on investments and an emerging market that made it one of the new frontiers for investments and digital market consideration.

Bar. Shittu added that the ministry is committed to creating a platform, through ICTEL 2017, where organisations and start-ups can pitch their innovative ideas.

“These ideas will be passed through a structured selection process to come up with marketable innovations for implementation by the federal government,” he said.

The minister assured that the “ministry will continue to support the establishment of companies or organisations in the area of hardware and software development by ensuring that they are protected through regulations or other means.”

This, he noted, will enable Nigeria attains her leadership role in Africa’s ICT industry.

Addressing participants and exhibitors at the event, the President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. (Mrs) Nike Akande CON, said there is no better time to harness the benefits of ICT than now when Nigeria’s economy is in dire need of diversification.

While speaking on the theme of the expo tagged: The Digital Economy – Strategies for growth in a connected world, the LCCI President said ICT is strategic in driving productivity and efficiency in all sectors of the economy.

She cited electronic banking, agric’s sector GES programme, e-commerce and e-health etc, as some of the areas Nigeria has depended on the ICT for optimal performance.