The Nigerian Government has inaugurated the Digital Economy Industry Working Group (DEIWG) to accelerate the digital economy agenda in the country.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, inaugurated the group during the closing ceremony of the Digital Nigeria Conference and Exhibition organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Professor Pantami, charged members of the DEIWG to ensure the achievement of the digital economy agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“When the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari started, the global ranking of Nigeria on the Ease of Doing Business was 170 but recently we have moved 39 steps higher to 131. The government has initiated and implemented over 160 reforms and registering a business in Nigeria now takes less than 48 hours.“
According to the Minister, reducing challenges in the economic sector will ensure the success of the recent Nigerian Start-up Act (NSA) approved by President Buhari on October 19.
He added that the ministry would in the near future inaugurate a committee for the swift implementation of the NSA.
The Minister’s Technical Assistant Research and Development, Femi Adeluyi explained that the DEIWG was established as a public-private dialogue platform.
He disclosed that the platform comprised of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, championed through close working relationships between the public and private sector leaders in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry.
Adeluyi explained that the group was designed to map out the government’s initiatives and policies for the private sector on the digital economy and to ensure the growth of the industry in the country.
Objectives
The Technical Assistant Research and Development said the objectives of the DEIWG were to create a framework and mechanisms for strengthening the immediate delivery of initiatives based on the eight pillars as outlined in the Nigerian Digital Economic Policy and Strategy (2020-2030).
“They will facilitate the creation of an Enterprise Programmes Management Office (EPMO) and funding mechanism which will serve as a framework of funding for DEIWG Secretariat.
“The group will formulate, in partnership with the government, mechanisms that drive and catalyse growth and increase investments in the Digital Economy
“They will examine the current efforts by the Federal Government to digitally transform through policies, projects and programmes and co-create a private sector response plan.
“Facilitate leadership mindset that is digital-driven for Shared Prosperity and Shared National Vision and drive continuity of the policies and enhance the institutional arrangement to drive the Digital Economy,” he said.
He added that the group would call to action private sector participation in leading the creation of the Nigeria Digital Economy and showcasing the opportunities in the E-Government Masterplan and Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, assured members of the group that the government would take into cognisance issues discussed at the conference
He encouraged participants and the youths while promising that the government was willing to work with the youths to make Nigeria a global talent factory.
“We have reviewed our potential during the conference and have understood that for us to create wealth, it has to be through innovation.“
The NITDA Boss added that stakeholders needed to work within the legal framework and keep supporting the government towards achieving a digital economy because the political will and talent were available.
The DEIWG has the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, as the Chairman, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa and other Chief Executives of agencies under the ministry as members.
Members from the private sector are; the Chief Executive Officer of NESG, Mr Laoye Jaiyeola, as Private Sector Co-Chair, Ms Funke Opeke of MainOne, Mr Sim Shagaya of uLesson among others.
PIAK
