Nigeria Needs Firm Policies, Infrastructure For Emerging Technologies-Tech Expert
Na’ankwat Dariem, Abuja
Nigeria needs firm policies and infrastructure to harness the potential of emerging technologies for the benefit of Nigeria particularly its youth demographic, which constitutes over 60% of the population.
An Expert in Information Communications and Technology (ICT) Professor Nentawe Yilwatda made the assertion while speaking at the recent ‘50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy Conference & Award’ held in Lagos, State, South-West, Nigeria.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Prof. Yilwatda underscored the importance of leveraging technologies such as the Internet of things, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics to revolutionize various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and security.
He said, “The Fourth Industrial Revolution presents a transformative opportunity for Nigeria to harness the power of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics to revolutionize various sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to manufacturing and security’’ Prof Yilwatda noted.
The ICT expert outlined seven steps crucial to optimizing existing and emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
These include prioritizing supportive policies and regulatory frameworks to foster and not hinder innovation and entrepreneurship, opening access to financing to allow young and innovative entrepreneurs to overcome funding barriers, and implementing educational reforms to focus on new skills and career pathways more relevant to today’s economies.
Others are investing to address infrastructural challenges to improve internet connectivity, scale up bandwidth and reduce data costs, particularly in rural areas; healthy cybersecurity measures and data protection frameworks to safeguard individuals, businesses, and the broader digital ecosystem from cyber threats and data breaches.
Also Read: Collaboration Key To Driving Nigeria’s Digital Economy- Tech Expert
According to him, “Equally important is the need to build strong partnerships and collaborations between stakeholders to nurture a vibrant digital ecosystem aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. These partnerships involve the government, private sector, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and international organisations.’’
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON DATA PROTECTION
The event also featured the pre-launch of a national awareness campaign on data protection by National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji.
Dr. Olatunji emphasized the fundamental role of data protection in a thriving digital economy, underscoring the importance of safeguarding individuals and businesses from cyber threats and data breaches.
Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Stakeholders for Data Protection Awareness (NSDPA), Mr.Sani Ahmed Yaro, highlighted plans for a national campaign to deepen awareness and compliance with data privacy regulations across the country.
Also, the National Data Protection Awareness Campaign is anchored by the NSDPA, represented by Ms.Delmwa Gogwim, a senior executive of the group explained that “The NSDPA is focusing on driving the agenda for awareness to deepen compliance level across the country.”
Similarly, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Data Protection Organisations of Nigeria (ALDAPCON), Mr.Ivan Anya, emphasized the importance of awareness in enhancing the effectiveness of licensed data protection organizations.
The Founder of IT Edge News Africa and event organizer, Mr. Olusegun Oruame, noted that the ’50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy Conference & Award’ serves as a crucial platform to address sectoral challenges, honour industry pioneers, and recognize individuals driving digital innovation in Nigeria.
