ADEBAYO Shittu, minister of communications, has said that the country’s ICT Roadmap has improved infrastructure development, e-government, industry development, capacity building, local content development and innovation. He said the intention to develop the roadmap, was aimed at creating broad and flexible pathways.

The minister stated this during the second phase of sensitisation workshop on the National ICT Roadmap for the southeast, which had its theme: ‘The Role of the Private Sector in the Implementation of the Nigeria ICT Roadmap,” in Awka, Anambra State, recently. He said the roadmap would ensure that ICT reaches all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.

According to Shittu, the sensitisation programme for the 2017-2020 roadmap was deliberately planned by the ministry as part of its post roadmap engagement in furtherance of its desire to broaden continuous consultations with stakeholders in the sector.

“The Sensitisation Programme of the ICT Roadmap will serve as an avenue for private sector stakeholders and participants to cross-fertilise ideas and experiences, share innovations, build enduring partnerships so as to ensure the realisation of the vision of government in putting in the ICT sector,” he said.

Shittu reiterated government’s commitment in ensuring that the ICT sector realises its full potential as a viable alternative to diversification of the economy and weaning the sector away from oil.

The minister urged the private sector to embrace the roadmap and identify priority areas that would help them take appropriate action that would enable them achieve their aspirations.

“We fully recognise that developing the roadmap can only bring maximum benefits to stakeholders if it is effectively implemented and we shall continue to provide the required enabling environment, incentives, and support towards ensuring the growth and success of our Industry players,” he said.

– May 17, 2019 @ 13:09 GMT |