Nigeria will soon be one of the leading digital economies – Pantami
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Ali Isa Pantami,
has said that Nigeria would soon be one of the leading digital economies in the world.
Pantami stated this at the second, School of Science and Technology (SOST) National Conference of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi on Tuesday in Bauchi.
He said the theme of the conference “The role of science , Technology and innovations in a Digital Economy towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) was timely and related with the objective of digital Economy.
“It is quite important because our nation Nigeria is at a point where it is evolving into one of the nations that will in the next couple of years be regarded as one of the leading digital economies in the world.
“This is the desire of the Ministry and President Mohammadu Buhari that all agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, private sector and stakeholder companies are working towards Nigeria’s digital Economy.
“Science,Technology and innovation are seen as the main enablers of realising some if not all of SDGs such as ending hunger through Agrictech ,no poverty through ICT ,good health among others,” he said.
Represented by Professor Muhammad Abubakar, Managing Director Galaxy Backbone plc, said the digital economy which is driven by science, technology and innovation play a very important role in the Nigerian economy.
Pantami stressed that the Digital Economy is the Economic activity that results from billions of everyday online connections among people , businesses, devices , data and processes.
The Minster added that the digital Economy is taking shape and undermining conventional notions about how businesses are structured, how firms interact and how consumers obtain services , information and goods.
“Therefore, we cannot underestimate the huge role science and technology plays in digital Economies and the strengthening of the SDGs ,” Pantami said.
Also Speaking Mr Sanusi Gumau, Rector Federal Polytechnic Bauchi reiterated the commitment of the Polytechnic in maintaining standard in science and technology innovations.
He said the polytechnic is ready to partner with government , individuals and business people to invest in Technology innovations.
Prof. Mohammmed Shuaibu, Dean faculty of life science Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in his lead paper presentation said industrialisation is widely acknowledged as the most driving force for Economic growth and advanced development.
He pointed out that industrialisation would not be achieved without government ,academia and industry, adding that these three arms must come together to achieve industrialisation.