FG: Private Sector Major Contributor to Growth of Digital Economy

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Minister of Communications, Digital Economy and Innovation, Bosun Tijani has stated that the private sector is the highest contributor to the success so far achieved in the nation’s drive to fully digitise its economy through the telecom/ICT industry.

He spoke at the opening ceremony of the three-day 2023 Digital Nigeria Conference organised in Abuja by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), with the theme: “Harnessing Digital Technologies for Job Creation, Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainability.”

The minister, in appreciating the contributions of the private sector in the growth recorded so far in the ICT/Telecom sector described the private sector as the backbone of the investments in infrastructure.

“We should recognise and celebrate the fact that this is the highest growing telecommunication sector on the African continent, and for us as a government, we will like to show our appreciation to all the private investors and private sector players that have participated in getting us to this point.

“But let’s recognise the fact that our collective responsibility and investment got us to this point. And that’s the only thing that will get us to where we need to be.

“The Nigerian government has always been one that is open to collaboration, but also input from the private sector. There’s hardly any policy committee that the government set up today that is not fully formed with the consent or participation of the private sector.

“So let’s not leave it to just the government’s to find innovative ways to lead our economy forward with digital technologies,” he stated.

He also noted that Nigeria must constantly adapt to new technologies if the best was to be derived from evolving technologies.

“Technology is constantly evolving and those who take the most out of technologies are countries that have in place, a progressive attitude, the progressive attitude to continue to ask questions and demand better ways of doing things.

“The progressive attitude to prioritise innovation and new ways of doing things,” he said.

The Director General, NITDA, Kachifu Abdullahi, said government was using digital technology to foster job creation .

“This will ensure inclusive economic growth, and lay the foundation for the future digital economy in Nigeria for all,” he said

Abdullahi explained that the conference was designed to achieve six major objectives, which include the opportunity to network.