Dr.Tijani on a speed lane as Nigeria aims to boost Digital Economy
By Blessing Emmanuel, Abuja
The Digital Economy Sector is fast taking shape as the newly appointed Honourable Minister for Communication, Innovation and Digital economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani is speedily outing things in place to ensure Nigeria becomes the most digitized nation in Africa.
In the Minister’s blueprint, the youths are the most considered, seeing that the future of the country and any forward moving nation lies in the hands of the young ones.
The Minister seeks to reduce the Japa syndrome by empowering millions of Nigerian youths and awakening their entrepreneurial spirit which would in turn increase financial inclusion in the nation.
In his well articulated blueprint outline for the next four years, Dr. Tijani announced that he is personally involved in NITDA to train and digitally empower three million Nigerians before the end of 2027.
The Minister aims to achieve Digital inclusion for the people of Nigeria, which would attract foreign businesses and investors to help and push up the nation’s GDP.
Also contained in his Strategic Blueprint for 2023-2027 titled “Accelerating our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency,” the Minister listed the five areas he would focus on, which he called the “five major pillars” that will open up more employment opportunities, accelerate the nation’s economic productivity through technical efficiency, which is in sync with the President’s agenda of Renewed Hope.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr. Tijani said, “This Strategic Blueprint is a detailed and progressive framework that encompasses five key pillars: Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital (IEC) and Trade. Each pillar is integral to our mission and interconnected with others, forming the foundation of our strategy.”
On knowledge Bosun said, “Knowledge is the cornerstone upon which innovation thrives, and is built upon the bedrock of sound policies.”
On Infrastructure, he said, “Infrastructure provides the essential backbone for a thriving digital economy.”
Innovation and entrepreneurship, the Minister said, both drive economic diversification of any nation.
On trade which is the fifth pillar, Dr. Tijani acknowledged that Nigeria is fully committed to global collaboration and partnerships, recognising that “innovation knows no borders.”
The above-mentioned structured pillars of the strategic blueprint outlines areas where sound policies are required to strengthen broadband penetration and also promote economic growth and improved service delivery in the public sector.
As the Ministry thrives to bring about a transformation in the digital economy, the Minister has called on stakeholders both from the public and private sector to collaborate with the government and ensure that the roadmap provided in the Strategic Blueprint would expand the innovation ecosystem of the county, increase the country’s GDP and provide support to all other sectors in Nigeria.
Dr. Bosun in the Strategic Blueprint reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to leverage on trade to position Nigeria as a major player in the African and global technology ecosystem.
He said, “Our primary goal is to enhance Nigeria’s participation in the global technology trade over the next four years.”
According to the Minister, the main thrust of the vision for the country is hinged on building on the transformative power of digital technology and innovation to diversify the Economy with technical skills that will engender growth and proffer solutions to Nigeria’s many challenges.
He disclosed that it is everybody’s responsibility to assist in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President towards building a virile nation for the common good of all.
