NITDA unveils plan to promote digital economy in Nigeria

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has developed a framework to build a vibrant digital economy and promote smart innovations in Nigeria. The Director-General of NITDA, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, who spoke Thursday during the official presentation of the draft policy to stakeholders in Abuja, said the new plan titled: “Nigeria Smart Initiative Policy […]

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has developed a framework to build a vibrant digital economy and promote smart innovations in Nigeria.

The Director-General of NITDA, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, who spoke Thursday during the official presentation of the draft policy to stakeholders in Abuja, said the new plan titled: “Nigeria Smart Initiative Policy Framework” (NSIPF) would ensure that the country leverage technology to grow critical sectors of the economy.

Pantami observed that the world is moving into an Internet economy which poses threat to oil based economy like Nigeria and other economies that depend largely on natural resources.

He said Nigeria couldn’t rely on meeting its objectives on sustainable economic development through conventional policies, hence the need for a well thought smart policy framework.

“We are moving towards a data economy.  Looking at our population, digital literacy level, and commitment to technology promotion and adoption, it is the best time to leverage on this smart initiative to ensure that we move to the next level. The idea is to automate all our activities and to ensure that the influence of human beings is minimal”, he stated.

He added that the framework would provide a strong foundation for adopting digital-inclined solutions needed to address the numerous challenges facing the country, while also improving visibility of local innovators when implemented alongside similar frameworks developed by the agency.

According to him, the initiative was consistent with international reports that recommend the need for the country to improve investment in the technology sector so as to compete favorably with top economies of the world.

He noted that the agency was aware of challenges in areas of investment, funding, infrastructure and other factor that might affect implementation of the policy, saying it would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to mitigate the challenges.