Abuja, Nigeria – President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that the digital economy sector has been the most successful in diversifying the nation’s economy, saving the Federal Government over N45.7 billion in IT projects clearance.
During a press conference held at the State House in Abuja, the President launched two new policies aimed at accelerating the development of the nation’s digital economy sector: the National Policy on the Nigerian Government Second-Level Domains and the National Data Policy.
According to President Buhari, the ICT sector contributed 18.44% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2022, compared to the oil sector which contributed 6.33% in the same period. The President attributed the success of the digital economy sector to the restructuring of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in October of 2019.
The President also stated that the Federal Government has developed 21 new national policies and strategies since 2019 to support the growth of the digital economy at the national and sub-national levels.
He emphasized the importance of digital identity, declaring that the present administration has actively promoted it as key to a sustainable and secure digital economy.
All government officials have been directed to refrain from using private emails for official purposes, and all Federal Public Institutions must migrate their websites to the relevant government domains.
Regarding the recent deployment of Starlink services by SpaceX in Nigeria, the President expressed his delight, making Nigeria the first and only African country with 100% broadband penetration.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, added that the two policies being launched were aimed at consolidating the achievements in the digital economy sector and leveraging data for the development of other sectors of the economy.
In conclusion, the Federal Government’s commitment to the growth of the digital economy has been demonstrated through the development of new policies and strategies aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy and promoting sustainable and secure growth.
