Business
By Anayo Ezugwu
ISA Pantami, minister of communication and digital economy, has said that since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic began, the ministry of communications and digital economy has strived to support the federal government with solutions based on its areas of expertise. He says that the ministry is helping in building a nation where digital innovation and entrepreneurship create value and prosperity for all.
Speaking at the presentation of grants to winners of digital solutions to COVID-19, Pantami said the mission of the ministry was outlined in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy,NDEPS, for a Digital Nigeria. He noted that the NDEPS is underpinned by 8 pillars that align with the central ideas of the ITU with regard to bridging the digital and innovation divide.
“Every sector of the economy stands to benefit from the digital economy. This is why the programmes of the ministry target more than just sectors that are traditionally considered to be tech sectors. According to the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, in an increasingly open global economy, achieving competitiveness requires an enabling environment conducive to digital innovation and entrepreneurship across sectors.
“Research has also shown that there is now growing digital innovation divide across countries, which challenges the assumption that innovation contributes to inclusive growth. The solution to bridging the innovation divide is in articulating globally comparable frameworks, with areas of emphasis, according to the national needs that drives digital innovation.
“Today’s occasion marks a modest but significant event in our search for adaptable digital solutions in our clime. Today’s event aligns with two of the 8-pillars of our Digital Economy’s policy and strategy plan: the development of a vibrant digital ecosystem that supports innovation-driven enterprise and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises and the provision of a policy framework that prioritizes digitally skilled Nigerians for government-funded projects.
“This is also in line with Executive Orders 003 and 005 of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The current pandemic makes our discussion of solutions today even more significant, as the world searches for affordable and time-saving solutions. We are all aware that innovation is a key driver to the fast growth of the global ICT industry, which in turn drives today’s global economy,” he said.
– Sept. 2 2020 @ 16:55 GMT |
Tags: Pantami says communication ministry supporting FG in fighting COVID-19
