United Nations Pledges Support For Digital Economy
………Commends Pantami visionary leadership
The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina J. Mohammed has commended the visionary leadership of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami in piloting the affairs of the Ministry which she describes as the lifeblood of all other sectors in Nigeria.
Mrs Amina Muhammed also pledged the support of the The United Nations to the country’s digital economy sector while urging the Federal Government to invest in technology.
The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General said this during a courtesy call on the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy in his office on Monday, 22nd February 2021.
She further advised the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy to embrace partnerships and collaborations in moving the Nation forward, highlighting that the Nigerian economy is very important to Africa.
She said that “Technology is the lifeline of all other sectors from education to medical and financial services, and a lot of what the economy will see in the coming years will be determined by what we do now, in terms of investments”.
She noted with deep satisfaction the proactive and result oriented leadership style of Dr Pantami which has resulted in the quantum leap recorded in the nation’s economy. She praised the National Digital Economy Policy which she emphasised was incredibly important within the framework of the 2030 agenda on the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.
“With the exemplary leadership we have in the sector, right now, the Nigerian government should really prioritise investments in the sector. The United Nations really supports this sector and its leadership, to make sure that you are a big part of the success of Nigeria’s growth and development. Technology is what will bring efficiency and connectivity in all aspects of life and especially in the green transitions”
On his part, Dr Pantami expressed his appreciation to President Muhammad Buhari for his efforts at diversifying the economy through various enabling policies and for making the sector a priority as the benefits are already manifesting.
The Minister said that on assumption in office after several official briefings, he realized the Ministry’s Mandate was obsolete, which necessitated his decision to write to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari to expand the Ministry’s Mandate to cover a Digital Economy.
Dr Pantami similarly expressed gratitude to Mr President for approving the Ministry’s request which expanded the Mandate of the Ministry to come up with developmental policies such as the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria, the National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025, the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Policy, among others.
He noted that the most recent figures published by the National Bureau of Statistics which puts the Digital Economy sector ahead of others with a 14.7% growth within the Q4 OF 2020 is a clear indication that the sector is indeed advancing. This also indicates a 13% growth within the year under review.
Pantami expressed his gratitude to the United Nations for its support through its partnerships and collaborations with organisations under the global body and noted that more can be done in bridging the digital divide especially in the area of capacity building.
The Minister also expressed appreciation to the United Nations for the support it is rendering to Nigeria in the area of capacity development through the World Bank.
Present during the visit are the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Festus Y.A Daudu, The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, the Managing Director of NigComSat, Mrs Abimbola Alale and the Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Muhammed Bello Abubakar