NITRA congratulates new communication minister Bosun Tijani, expresses willingness for collaboration

Members of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), representing journalists in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, have extended their felicitations to the newly appointed minister of communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

Telescope.ng reports that in a letter addressed to Tijani, Chike Onwuegbuchi, the chairman of NITRA, conveyed the association’s warm regards and optimism regarding his appointment.

Onwuegbuchi commended Tijani’s track record of delivering tangible results in previous endeavours within the ICT industry and expressed confidence in his potential to make a significant impact in his new role.

He acknowledged Tijani’s extensive experience in creative, developmental, and managerial affairs, highlighting his active involvement in decision-making and growth initiatives for the nation.

Onwuegbuchi emphasized the trust NITRA places in Tijani’s capabilities as the Minister of the expanded Ministry.

In their letter to Tijani, Onwuegbuchi reassured the minister of NITRA’s readiness to collaborate closely with the ministry to ensure the achievement of its goals.

He conveyed NITRA’s willingness to engage in collaborative efforts that will contribute to the success of Tijani’s endeavours as the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

Onwuegbuchi concluded by expressing the association’s shared vision to work together to advance the ICT industry and establish the ministry as a benchmark in the minds of Nigerians, both domestically and internationally.

The expectation is that the Minister will continue to enhance the ICT sector’s contribution to the GDP, with a focus on leveraging ICT to transform Nigeria into a fully digital economy.

According to recent statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s ICT sector contributed a significant 17.47% to the country’s GDP (Real Gross Domestic Product) in the first quarter of 2023.

This amounts to approximately N3.1 trillion out of the total N17.75 trillion of the country’s real GDP for the quarter. This notable increase in the ICT sector’s GDP contribution surpasses the figures recorded in the first quarter of 2022, which stood at N2.86 trillion.

In Q1 2023, the ICT sector contributed 13.23% to the total nominal GDP, surpassing the rates recorded in the same quarter of the previous year (10.55%) and the preceding quarter (10.42%). This nominal growth represents a substantial increase of 41.84% during the quarter, marking a 21.30% point rise compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

NITRA, the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association, serves as the umbrella organization for ICT reporters and editors. Its membership spans various media platforms, including print, broadcast, and online media organizations, and extends throughout the country. Through its quarterly and annual events, such as ‘Breakfast With CEOs,’ ‘NITRA Innovative Forum,’ and ‘NITRA Technology Forum,’ the association has successfully driven discussions on the development of ICT subsectors and the industry as a whole.