The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, stated this at the closing of the 11th meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
He said the primary goal of the present administration, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is to enhance Nigeria’s participation in the global technology trade over the next four years.
“Through policies, we shall be able to strengthen our position as a technology hub,” the minister said.
He said the Federal Government has identified nine priority policies for review, including Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan, the National Policy on Digital Public Infrastructure, and the National Policy on Telecommunications.
These and other details were included in a 31-page blueprint document presented in October 2023 by the minister, which outlined the ministry’s intentions for harnessing the transformative power of digital technology and innovation to boost the national economy.
In the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020 – 2025), the Federal Government set a 50 per cent broadband penetration target for 2023. In its policy document, the government set a broadband penetration target of “50 per cent of eligible individuals with provision for physically challenged,” for 2023.
The minister continued that the Federal Government was also committed to building the critical infrastructure required to power a strong digital economy.
“We will ensure broadband penetration, efficient spectrum management, and the right digital public infrastructure and reimagine the postal service for connectivity and economic growth.
“We have also considered innovation, entrepreneurship, and capital as the fourth pillars of the strategic blueprint.
“Since these are important for the survival of any country, we have outlined a set of initiatives that would create innovations and develop entrepreneurship and capital for delivering a vibrant and inclusive society,” he said.
Meanwhile, the minister appreciated the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, for hosting the meeting.
While declaring the meeting open, the governor called on the minister to facilitate the commissioning of the NCC Industrial Park.
The park was constructed during the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the project, which was completed 100 per cent, has yet to be commissioned and put to use.
During the 2023 Digital Nigeria Conference, another agency which shares a similar agenda, the National Information Technology Agency urged Nigerians to embrace and harness the vast potential of digital technology.
