Mediaage NG News – ABUJA, Nigeria – (Thursday 11th July, 2024)
The Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, on Thursday said the government is focused on harnessing the opportunities of technology and communications to improve the lives of its citizens.
She said the country is rapidly investing in digital infrastructure that will create a connecting ecosystem which will positively impact the way business is done and lowering the cost of business operations.
“Technology and communications are pivotal in the manufacturing industry and the economy at large. It is imperative that a lot of these technologies are domesticated that will be integral in our adminstration”, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, represented by Yusuf Hassan Mohammed, said in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, at the International Technology and Communication Expo (ITEC) 2024.
“Nigeria is the biggest market for mobile phones in the African continent and we are working to localise production.
“In the world of technology, artificial intelligence is the game changer and we must begin to look at how we can effectively get it deployed in the various sectors of our education, health, transportation, energy, agriculture, to improve productivity, as we plan to equip at least five to ten million persons in three years with artificial intelligence and cyber security skills”, she stated.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Dr. Abdulkadir Abiola said it is imperative to acknowledge the digital power in transformation in both business and governance, and in this era of rapid technological advancement, the digitalisation of processes and systems has become a cornerstone of progress and prosperity.
“Digital technology not only enhances operational efficiency but, unlocks new avenues for growth and development, he said.
“In the sphere of business, digitalisation revolutionizes ways of organisational operations and customer interactions, and through digital activities, businesses can streamline operations, improve decision making processes and tap into new markets with unprecedented lease and efficiency”, the Director General added.
Adesola Akinsayo, President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), represented by Engr. Franca Ogochukwu said the Expo is a catalyst for growth and innovation. Also, by bringing together experts, businesses and innovators globally, series of collaboration can be initiated to propel Nigeria to the forefront of technological revolution.
“NiRA as the governing body for ng domain names, recognises the crucial roles domain names play in online identity. Recognising domain signifies a commitment to the Nigerian market, fostering truth with global audience and enhancing “your online visibility”, he enumerated.
Engr. Babagana Digima, the Head, New Media, Department of Information and Security, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), representing the EDC and CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida said the theme of this year’s Expo, ‘Building Wealth Through Opportunities In Technology and Communications’ resonates deeply in a world where digital transformation is the heartbeat of progress.
Reflecting on technological giants today, their evolution and how they began, he gave example of IBM which according to him, was the only billion dollar technological company in the late 70s till the 2000s, featuring oil magnates, conglomerates and financial powerhouses. “Today, tech titans reign supreme”, he said.
“Technological advancements have disrupted industries, redefined wealth and has reshaped lives”, he added.
Professor of Computer Science and Cyber Security, University of Abuja, Francisca Nonyelum Ogwueleka (PhD), said there are strategies used in creating these opportunities and only those who are mentally alert can utilise them.
According to her, they include investing in Nigeria’s tech startup, “of which a lot of agencies have taken it up and providing funding”.
She said Nigerian youth are already venturing into it and becoming entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
“We also have the digital payment system, digital communication platforms which everyone is using, developing technological skills, launching crypto currency adaption. We’ve created the awareness and people are adapting.
“Farmers are queuing into technology today. We have renewable energy and solar innovations, e-commerce and online advocacy, etc”, Prof. Ogwueleka stated
“We should also not forget that there are challenges that come with using these technologies, ecosystem that stands to grow and be productive. The challenges are there but, we provide solutions to them and they work out.
“These challenges include health care infrastructure crisis, lack of quality and access to education, infrastructure deficiency, especially on power supply and internet connectivity. Then, you talk about the skills gap, due to talent shortage and brain drain, physical security concern, economic instability of currency fluctuations and inflation”, she enumerated.
The Chairman, Organising Committee of ITEC 2024, Anene Jackson said a lot of opportunities are available in telecommunications, ICT, renewable energy and everything that has to do with technology.
However, he said these opportunities are some of the reasons that birthed the ITEC event that has had several editions previously.
“It’s a journey that we are exploring and to call the attention of all relevant stakeholders in the private and public sectors to explore these opportunities and potentials in technology” he said.
“We want to see the application of tech in both private businesses and government operations. We hope that many other organisations start embracing technology. It calls for the use of analogue system to drop so that the full benefits of technology will be explored.
“Stakeholders, professionals in the industry are expected to rub minds with the intention of getting our exhibitors, participants and visitors to appreciate the benefits of the full use of technological processes in carrying out their businesses”, he disclosed.