Nigeria’s new Minister of Communications, Digital Economy And Innovation, Dr Bosun Tijani, has promised to build on the gains made so far by the Ministry in the digital economy sector.
Dr Tijani stated this while speaking with the Heads of Agencies and other stakeholders under the Ministry as he assumed office in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He said Nigeria must leverage digital technologies to drive the economy.
Speaking further on the significance of the ministry to Nigeria’s economic development he said: “We would build on the gains recorded so far in the Ministry through effective collaboration with key stakeholders in the industry.
“I think it is always good to also take stock as well. You cannot improve what you do not know. It is impossible for us to move forward If you do not assess what we have accomplished.
“The best way to make it effective is to use technology that connects our citizens to the services they want to use in a dignified way.
“Our goal is not to come up with policies from the public sector, whether it is from this ministry or not, that will put people in pain before they can access government services.”
He said collaboration with stakeholders in the industry was key to achieving Nigeria’s Digital transformation drive adding that no country can become strong technically without collaboration.
“The ministry can formulate policies and regulations but if we are not working closely with the industry, the things we want to see will never be built to the point where prosperity can come to our nation.
“If we do not collaborate with countries all over the world, we are going to be limited by what is available at the minute in terms of knowledge. We are going to be partnering with the best organisations and institutions in the world.”
The Minister said Nigeria can compete favourably with other countries in the area of digital innovations and the global economy, hence the need to leverage the opportunities
“So part of our challenge is how do we connect people to opportunities so that they can build?”This ministry is critical to unlocking opportunities for our people regardless of where they are.
“We are the face of the ministry which means, we have to update and upgrade our skills, ensure that we are connected to modern knowledge, but most importantly, ensure that there is dignity in everything,” he affirmed.
Agencies under the Ministry represented by officials to welcome the new Minister include; Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and Nigeria Data Bureau Commission (NDPC)
