PETER Akinremi, Information Communication Technology (ICT) expert, Mr has urged Federal Government to pay more attention to the fast changing digital space to make the sector viable.

Akinremi, who is the West Africa Regional Coordinator of the African Civil Society for the Information Society (ACSIS), made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

He spoke on the backdrop of the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari, who was sworn in for second term in office on May 29, having been re-elected as President of Nigeria on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 general elections.

He said that boosting the ICT sector in Nigeria was critical as the world is moving toward digital driven economy.

He added that “it is expected that this government pay very close attention to the evolving and fast changing digital space, digital policy and digital cooperation.

“ICT has enormous potential to contribute to country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) so, should be embraced to diversify the economy.

“It is expected of this government to give necessary support and encourage innovation, government and governmental institutions must be IT driven.”

Akinremi also urged the government to ensure that Nigeria channelled energy to enhance digital trade, facilitate the building of smart cities and industries.

“Nigeria should ensure a place where information and communication technology is used to enhance the quality of life and drive processes. E-infrastructure and E-governance must be strengthened,’’he said.

Akinremi also called on government to openly commit itself to protecting citizen online, privacy and data, including cross-border data.

The ACSIS boss noted that the country’s technical inability to shape and contribute to key discussions at various international technical working groups on core critical internet resources and infrastructure development of internet should be addressed.

According to him, ICT should be prioritised by focusing on human capital development.

“In addition, government should ensure balanced industry regulation, facilitate competitive environment that allows for new entrants and prevent market that will be dominated by single actor,’’ he said. (NAN)

– May 31, 2019 @ 13:59 GMT |