ICT on Nigeria’s front burner

GOVERNMENT

By Lukas Ajanaku, Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria's communication technology minster, Omobola Johnson, says the nation's draft ICT policy is a document that will facilitate the transformation of the economy from its present state to a knowledge-based one.

Omobola who spoke in Lagos at the fourth edition of the DigitalSENSE Africa Forum, said the policy, if implemented, would also put ICT at the front burner and drive engagement with government and increase productivity through better access, organisation and knowledge information dissemination.

Said the minister: “This [Draft ICT] Policy is in line with transforming our country into a knowledge-based economy in which ICTs are key drivers of the way we deliver social services, educate our children, deliver healthcare, and ensure public safety.

ICTs will also drive how we engage with government and increase our productivity through better access, organisation and dissemination of information and knowledge.”

“The Policy is a statement of intent and our next steps involve turning intent into action via the development of detailed implementation/action plans.

Commenting on the theme of the forum, which is: ‘Internet Governance and Mobile Economy in Nigeria’, Johnson said it was of particular importance as the nation seeks to develop and implement a shared vision for the ICT sector, as well as increase its contributions towards the development of the country. Speaking on internet governance, she noted that it deals with the digital world, arguing that the mobile economy is still far from accessibility in the country.

She commended the organisers of the forum, stressing that is a recognised platform for the discussion of ICT issues with particular reference to Internet Governance and an important channel for the emergence of recommendations towards implementation/action plans for the future development of the Internet and mobile economy in Nigeria.