Following ICT 10 percent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Federal Government on Tuesday said it would leverage the benefits of the digital revolution, innovation and convergence of technology in the country to kick start a new ‘digitally Smart Nigeria.’
‘Digitally Smart Nigeria’ seeks to ensure most government businesses and transactions are conducted with ICT solutions to enhance Nigeria’s capability for efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance.
To achieve this, the Federal Government is already partnering South Korea on e-Government initiative, a collaboration expected to enhance Nigeria’s capability for efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance with its attendant benefits trickling down to the economy.
Adebayo Shittu, minister of communications technology, at 14th annual innovation Africa digital summit held in Abuja with the theme: “Harnessing Africa’s digital growth,” said the ministry would soon unveil roadmap that would serve as a guide for the industry to attain digitally smart Nigeria.
According to Shittu, “Because of the importance of driving efficiency, transparency an cost reduction in governance, the Federal Government established Galaxy backbone LTD driven to pursue a harmonised approach to information and communications technology acquisition, deployment and utilisation in the public sector.
He added that government is also fast-tracking initiatives to expedite the penetration of reliable and affordable broadband plan for a robust internet services availability in the country, which he said targets increased economic development and several business growth.
ICT which is currently contributing about 10 percent to GDP as Oil and Gas is arguably one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy and is the second largest ICT market in Africa
Industry analysts suggest that the ICT Tools and devices, Software Solution, IT outsourcing and the e-commerce sector alone could employ over 40 million Nigeria and contribute billions to the Nigerian economy when appropriately channelled.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Winifred Oyo-Ita noted that the service is already keying into digital in running government business, while revealing that Enterprise Development Management System is being utilised to crack down ghost worker and in control of personnel and payment management.
