The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami on Saturday 24th October 2020 drew commendations from major stakeholders in the Digital Economy Sector as he led the sector to celebrate the maiden edition of the Digital Nigeria Day, in line with the United Nations World Development Information Day.
The theme of the maiden Edition aptly titled: Digital Economy A New Frontier For Economic Prosperity aligns perfectly with the policy strategy championed by the Minister, according to a press release signed by spokesperson to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Uwa Suleiman (Mrs).
In his welcome address, President of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr Gbenga Adebayo while congratulating Dr Pantami on the milestone achievement, also commended him for his tireless efforts in initiating and driving the Digital Economy Policy. He noted that the novel initiatives and strategies of the Minister have continued to catapult the sector to greater heights.
President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria Teniola Olusola commended the synergy Dr Pantami has brought to bear in the sector particularly in the resolution of conflicts which have ushered some unprecedented advancements in the sector. He hailed Pantami as a resilient goal getter who has continued to provide the needed leadership to the sector and an enabling environment for investors to thrive. He pledged the support of his association and indeed, the sector as a whole, to the policies and initiatives of the minister.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Istifanus Musa Fuktur in his welcome address, also commended the Honourable Minister for providing a precise policy direction which has properly positioned the Ministry and indeed the entire sector on a globally competitive pedestal.
In his remarks, Dr Pantami noted that it was imperative for Nigeria to join the world in celebrating this day as the country has recorded giant strides in its digitalization efforts. He disclosed that the eight pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy are all inclusive and take adequate cognizance of all sectors of the economy. Pantami disclosed that the Ministry has put in place the necessary foundation to ensure a solid and robust digital economy as Digital skills take precedence over all considerations in today’s global society. “Since the launch of the Digital Nigeria Portal, sixty six thousand applicants have enrolled for various programs with sixty three thousand already certified. Cumulatively, over a hundred thousand Applicants have been empowered under the various programs of the Agencies and Parastatals under the Ministry’s purview” He also emphasized the need for preference to be given to indigenous IT products and services in line with Executive Orders 003 and 005 and called on indigenous innovators who feel unjustly sidelined in the procurement of IT services, to draw the attention of the relevant authorities in seeking redress.
The Minister called on all stakeholders to partner and collaborate with the Ministry in its effort to digitalise the Nigerian Economy. It will be recalled that the United Nations resolution earmarked the 24th of October as the World Information Development Day.
