WorldStage Newsonline– Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, says technology companies have added value to Nigeria’s economy as the country remains a big market for biggest tech companies in the world.
Tijani disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ekaete Umo.
He spoke at the 11th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) in Kano State
The theme titled: “Leveraging Digital Technology and Innovation to drive Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Development”.
According to the minister, Nigeria has over the years retained its status as the country on the continent with a global talent factory in the world with huge contributions to the Nigerian economy.
“We are proud to have some of the largest companies such as MTN, the biggest market in the world, Airtel, the second largest market and IHS as the fifth largest company based in Nigeria.
“These companies have added immense value to the country’s economy.”
The minister said that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration was working towards providing the critical mass of the young populace with the necessary technical talents.
He added that skills would enable youths generate wealth, tackle crimes and cushion the effect of poverty.
According to him, Nigeria is hugely blessed with both natural resources and a growing population that should be harnessed for the betterment of the Nigerian people.
He urged all the stakeholders to ensure they connect the people with digital technology they could derive varied opportunities.
“Our contribution from this sector is not just the taxes from the ICT or communication companies that our contributions can be measured.
“It should be how we use technology to change lives, deliver result-oriented services to people in the areas of health, agriculture, education, and to raise the level of productivity for the work force to thrive.”
Tijani urged Nigerians to invest significantly in fibre optic network because of its attendant benefits of giving citizens access to the best internet network.
He added that the network would give citizens the opportunity to be connected to global space with the view to changing lives positively.
According to him, conversation should be woven around the Right of Way (RoW), which is key for all states to make it free for this development.
“The big task for all stakeholders is how to connect all schools in the states, all medical facilities and government offices.”
The minister called on Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd. (NIGCOMSAT), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to up their game in this regard.
According to him, Nigeria is the third destination for technology startups in Africa.
“Our responsibilities as leaders are to put in place Tech ecosystem-friendly policies that will encourage innovators and entrepreneurs to build.
“This will help to boost the economy, solve problems, give us the chart of people that pay taxes and also help to drive direct foreign investments,” he said.
Earlier, Mohammed Othman, Kano State Commissioner of Science, Technology and Innovation, said the world was driven by technology and innovation.
Othman said it was imperative to harness the tools effectively for the betterment of the nation.
According to him, the theme of the event underscores the importance of leveraging the digital landscape to achieve sustainable development, economic growth, and improved living standards for our citizens.
He called on the participants to play their roles in shaping the future of Nigeria’s communications, innovation, and digital economy sector with impactful contributions.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa said with technology, Nigerian government can create more value and prosperity for the people.
Also, the Postmaster-General of NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, said ICT plays a pivotal role, saying it shapes inclusive growth.
The Director-General of NIGCOMSAT, Nkechi Egerton-Idehen said the agency had the ability to provide security solutions that could address security concerns in the country.
In his remarks, Dr Vincent Olatunji, the Director-General, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, said the commission was mandated to protect the identity of over 200 million Nigerians, adding that it was attracting global attention.
