Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami says digital technology increases the economic growth of any country in the world.
Pantami stated this in Abuja during the unveiling of the book; “Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami: Advancing Nigeria’s Drive Towards a Digital Economy,” written by Obiora Nzekwu.
He also said a digital economy can be resilient to pandemics, adding that digitalisation has enabled Nigeria to develop a sustainable economy.
In a statement issued by the Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations and Spokesperson of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Hadiza Umar, she said this was part of the e Digital Nigeria Conference in Abuja.
The NITDA Spokesperson quoted the Minister as saying: “Digitalization increases efficiency, reduces waste, enhances productivity, increases transparency, and supports datafication, amongst other things.
“We have shown that the digital economy can greatly support the traditional economy. The contribution of the digital economy to the gross domestic product (GDP) of Nigeria and its role in making the economy resilient to adverse events like the COVID-19 pandemic are two good examples of the impact of the digital economy on the traditional economy.”
Prof Pantami said the ministry excelled at the recently concluded retreat for all ministers.
“The assessment was based on the output indicators and milestones for the eight ministerial deliverables and the ministry obtained the highest grade in each of the deliverables.
“Implementation of Broadband Connectivity was 134 per cent, deployment of 4G across the country -127 per cent, digitalising government functions and processes was 99 per cent.
“Development and implementation of a National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy -103 per cent, while implementation of a Digital Identity Programme was 86 per cent.
“Improvement and optimisation of revenues from all operators and licensees in the agencies under the ministry’s supervision was 594 per cent,” the Minister said.
President Muhammadu Buhari in the foreword section of the book recommended it to researchers, scholars, policy makers and Chief Executive Officers, in business and public offices.
The President also commended Professor Pantami for being a good example of excellence
While commending the author for the researched work on the digital economy journey, the President recommended the book to researchers, scholars, policy makers and Chief Executive Officers in business and public offices.
The 900-paged book on Advancing Nigeria’s Drive Towards a Digital Economy chronicled some of the achievements of Prof. Pantami since he was sworn in as a Minister on the 21st of August 2019.
The chapters of the book are: Digital Sheikh; Changing the Trajectory at NITDA; Communications and Digital Economy and Running a SMART Ministry.
Other chapters are NCC- Driving the Digital Agenda; The Mobile Digital Economy; Broadband- Driving the Digital Economy; Other Agencies in the Digital Drive; and Policy Statement and Views.
PIAK
