The Minister of Communications, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Shittu
has applauded telecoms industry for enabling other industries and growth
strategies to the Nigerian economy, reports ITRealms.
Addressing the 2016 Information Communication Technology &
Telecommunication Expo (2016 ICTEL EXPO) organized by the Lagos Chamber of
Commerce and Industry at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on
Tuesday, Adebayo also said, the Smart Digital Nigeria project is suitable ICT
platform for diversification of the economy.
According to him, ICT is the only sector that has recorded a
positive growth of about 10 per cent in the first quarter of 2016 and has
become a major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Shittu equally said that the mobile ecosystem currently
contributes over $10 billion in value add to the Nigeria economy and
that mobile services have the potential to enable Nigerians benefit from the
exchange of information for business and social needs for increase
productivity.
He pointed out that global quest for ICT for development is
enormous to both developed and developing countries because ICT skills are
critical to the success of enhancing national development in a globalised era.
“In this regard, our government is focused on creating opportunities for
citizenship participation in ICT training, knowledge and skills acquisition,
and general application and usage of ICT tools to solve problems, promote their
wellbeing and enhance national growth”, he added.
“No doubt, with the dwindling revenue from the Oil and Gas sector,
the Federal Government has realized more than ever before that
Telecommunication and ICT are amongst the main drivers for the social and
economic development of Nigeria and play a vital role in enhancing access to
basic services in all sectors of our national life”.
Charging the organisers of the event, the minister said, “I want
to enjoin the President of LCCI, our tireless and quintessential Mother- Dr.
(Mrs) Nike Akande, to continue to connect businesses and create opportunities
for Nigerians in the ICT sector as the nation strives to diversify its economy
from the non-oil sector”.
He stressed that the theme for the Expo is apt as the platform
will encourage conversations and the sharing of opinions on innovations and
trends as well as providing an excellent networking opportunity for business
decision makers, innovation managers, start-ups, ICT academics, OEMs, venture
capitalists, and other players in the Nigeria ICT sector.
Barr. Shittu assured that the government will provide the needed
enabling environment for the ICT and telecommunication sector to thrive through
enactment of relevant legislations, saying ”With the e-Government Masterplan
implementation, government’s attention on e-Governance as the nucleus to drive
other automation and IT agenda is assured under my very watch. I want to also
charge you to continue to connect businesses and create businesses and
opportunities for Nigerians in the ICT sector”.
“The Change Mantra of this administration comes in different
colourations. We in the ICT sector have a responsibility to put the nation on
the path of growth. This can be easily achieved when partners like LCCI key
into the SMART Digital initiative.
“There is no doubt in my mind that this ICTEL Expo 2016, will
further offer a platform for corporate organisations seeking to build
partnerships for enhanced profitability in the sector. It is also a veritable
opportunity for government and private sector operators to meet and articulate
policies that would boost the productivity of ICT sector in Nigeria and create
more jobs”.
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