The Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has announced the Federal Government’s plans to raise the contribution of the Information and Communications Technology sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product to 21 per cent within the next two to three years.

He made this disclosure on Monday at the Public Servant Training Institute in Kubwa, Abuja, during the launch of a training programme for Data Protection Officers.

Tijani noted that the ICT sector currently contributes between 14 per cent and 16 per cent to the nation’s GDP and stressed the administration’s commitment to positioning the digital economy as a central driver of growth.

He said, “This sector is contributing anywhere between 14 –16 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP. Under this administration, in the next two to three years, our projection is that we will be able to take this to 21 per cent, which means it will continue to be important.”

He further expressed optimism that the government’s heavy investment in ICT infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation would significantly boost productivity and economic growth.

“As a nation, we are prioritising investment in digital economy, that is why we are investing in fibre optic network in the country to ensure that we connect all of our people, that is why we are making the drive to ensure that we can transform government services using technology, it is why we are pushing artificial intelligence to ensure that we can use this modern technology to help increase productivity,” he said.

The minister acknowledged the vulnerabilities associated with increased connectivity and called for stronger measures to safeguard citizens.

“The more connected we are, the more vulnerable we are. It is crucial for the government to protect its people,” he said.

Tijani also underlined the importance of a digital economy, stating, “There is no prosperity for any nation without a digital economy.”

He further urged the beneficiaries of the national certification training programme to take the training seriously as there is a huge global opportunity for such skills.

The minister’s remarks were echoed by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who highlighted the administration’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians.

Olawande said the ministry is recalibrating its mandate to foster collaboration with other government agencies and create opportunities for youth in entrepreneurship and innovation, which will help boost the economy.

He also said that the ministry plans to develop an initiative that will foster a relationship between the police and the youth in Nigeria.

Also, speaking at the event, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, announced that 500 participants would undergo certification as Data Protection Officers.

While 3,000 officers were initially planned for training last year, the Commission faced budgetary constraints.

“Our projection was to train over 3000 Nigerians as certified DPOs last year but due to budgetary constraints, we were not able to do. But the good thing is that we are starting, we are starting with 500,” Olatunji said.

He noted that although over 55,000 Nigerians have undergone basic training in data protection, they are yet to achieve certification.

The government has now intervened to make certification free, addressing the high costs that previously deterred participation.

“Nigeria cannot be left behind, especially in ensuring data safety and privacy,” he added, highlighting the need for certified officers to meet the demand from over 500,000 registered data controllers.

He noted that Nigeria has the most progressive data protection act globally.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Malam Kashifu Inuwa; Managing Director of NigComSat, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen; Managing Director of the Nigeria Lottery Commission, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila; and the Commissioner of Police in charge of the National Cybersecurity Centre, CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry.

Credit: punchng.com

FG Targets 21% ICT Contribution to GDP

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