In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy, Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasized the imperative of establishing digital trust and embracing international standards.
This strategic approach is aimed at propelling the nation’s transformation and carving out a robust digital future.
Speaking at a pivotal Digital Policy workshop held recently, in Abuja, organized by the British Standards Institution (BSI), Inuwa highlighted the critical role of NITDA in steering the country towards a standardized digital transformation. The workshop’s timing is opportune, fostering deeper collaboration between NITDA, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the British Government, thereby enhancing digital trust and adoption across Nigeria.
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Presidential Mandate and Ministry’s Strategic Plan
Inuwa referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, which mandates an acceleration in diversifying Nigeria’s economy through technological innovation. Following this, the Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, unveiled a strategic plan anchored on five pillars: Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Innovation (Entrepreneurship & Capital), and Trade.
Aligning with this vision, NITDA is crafting its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, consisting of eight strategic pillars. Inuwa detailed each pillar’s significance, underscoring the agency’s commitment to instilling digital trust and confidence among citizens to utilize digital services safely and responsibly.
International Collaboration for Local Solutions
To realize this vision, Inuwa stressed the necessity of standards and guidelines for building digital services and offerings. “As part of the Ministry’s target set for NITDA, which was to develop a standard for the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure, we need international collaboration to get the job done,” he asserted. The goal is to create systems that not only cater to local needs but also possess global market value.
Inuwa acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigeria, particularly in e-commerce and online transactions, which have eroded trust over the years. However, he remains optimistic that the adoption of international standards will restore confidence in every transaction within the country.
Future Prospects and Global Ecosystem
“With digital trust in place, we aim to have automated transactions and electronically generated invoices,” Inuwa explained, emphasizing the need for partnerships with key players like SON and international bodies such as BSI.
Dr. Nigel Croft, Team Lead at BSI, commended the collaborative efforts and announced subsequent training sessions for stakeholders in Nigeria’s standards sector. The objective is to align with global best practices, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s position in the international arena.
The workshop featured insightful presentations from NITDA, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Edet, and other esteemed delegates from BSI and SON. Participants engaged in roundtable discussions, exploring the opportunities and challenges in Nigeria’s digitization initiatives.
In conclusion, this workshop marks a milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a digitally empowered economy, fostering trust, innovation, and international cooperation.
How Nigeria’s digital economy has evolved over the years
Nigeria’s digital economy has seen significant evolution over the years, marked by growth and diversification. The World Bank’s Nigeria Digital Economy Diagnostic report identifies key challenges and opportunities for leveraging the digital economy for diversified and sustained growth, assessing the state of Nigeria’s digital economy around five foundational pillars.
Investments in the digital economy were projected to generate up to $88 billion and create three million jobs for Nigerians by the end of 2021. The Nigerian technology sector has recorded progress and doubled in size, now accounting for up to 9 percent of the country’s GDP.
The digital growth has been driving Nigeria’s economy forward, with the potential to take a bigger bite of the global digital economy—worth an estimated $11.5 trillion in 2016—by strengthening its digital infrastructure, unlocking investment, boosting skills training for its youth population, and implementing reforms to create jobs and economic diversification.
A new World Bank diagnostic provides a snapshot of the state of Nigeria’s digital transformation, recommending strategic investments and innovations needed to reach its full digital potential. The report notes that while Nigeria has made some progress, there is still room for growth.
As the biggest economy in Africa with one of the largest youth populations in the world, Nigeria is well-positioned to develop a strong digital economy. This development is crucial as the country transitions from a period of economic recession to a more stable and growing economy.
Overall, Nigeria’s digital economy is on an upward trajectory, with increasing recognition of the importance of digital technologies as a catalyst for economic growth and development. The country continues to make strides in improving its digital infrastructure and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
