Appoint technocrat as minister of communications and digital economy, NITRA advises Tinubu

The Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), a group of journalists in the Information and Communications Technology sector, has called on President Bola Tinubu to nominate and appoint a qualified minister of communications and digital economy in his new administration.

Telescope.ng reports that in a press release, NITRA emphasized the importance of selecting a minister who is well-versed in the growth indices and challenges of the ICT industry, to drive the sector’s development effectively.

The chairman of NITRA, Chike Onwuegbuchi, stressed the need to appoint a minister with a background in the ICT industry, someone who understands the industry’s gaps, needs, and potential for growth.

He urged the president to appoint a minister who can collaborate with industry stakeholders and address key issues facing the sector.

Emma Okonji, the pioneer Chairman of NITRA, highlighted the attributes expected of the next Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

He emphasized the need for a technocrat with a deep understanding of the telecom industry, digital skills, and the ability to work with ICT media to enhance technology development in Nigeria.

Okonji also stated the importance of supporting tech startups and promoting local content in technology usage.

In his contribution, Chima Akwaja, Group Technology Editor at LEADERSHIP Group Limited, echoed the sentiment, calling for a technocrat who can provide a conducive environment for agencies within the Ministry to operate effectively.

He stressed the importance of creating tech hubs, partnering with higher institutions for digital skills training, and promoting a level playing field for ICT bodies and associations.

The founder/Editor-in-Chief of Cyber Era, Clifford Agugoesi, also noted the need for strong stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with other ministries, government arms, and industry associations.

He called for empowering ICT media through capacity-building programs and supporting laudable initiatives such as the NDEPS 2020-2030 and the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025.

It would be recalled that the NBS recently reported that Nigeria’s ICT sector contributed 17.47% to the country’s GDP in the first quarter of 2023, amounting to about N3.1 trillion.

The sector’s GDP contribution has been increasing, highlighting the need for continued investment in infrastructure deployment and broadband penetration to drive further growth.

NITRA and its members believe that appointing a competent Minister of Communications and Digital Economy who can effectively address the sector’s challenges and leverage ICT to transform Nigeria into a fully digital economy is crucial for the country’s progress in the digital age.