Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has called on stakeholders across the country to support the federal government in achieving digital economy by 2023.
Pantami made the appeal at the opening ceremony of the annual e-Nigeria conference, exhibition and awards hosted by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with parastatals under the ministry on Thursday in Abuja.
The two-day conference was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari with the theme “National Digital Economy.”
According to Pantami, the administration of President Buhari which is focused on economy diversification, ensuring security and fighting corruption, will leverage on deploying information communication technology (ICT) in achieving those agendas.
He said delivering a digital economic country prompted the president to recently change the portfolio of the Ministry of Communications to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
The minister added that the change will ensure that the use of communication gadgets and ICT are deployed to improve the economy.
“The Federal Government has the plan to deliver to citizens a digitally developed country by the year 2023 and we require that all stakeholders should be part of this growth.
“We are working on development regulations, digital integration, building solid infrastructure, deployment of digitisation and emerging technologies, as well as local content promotion and we want all hands on deck,” Pantami said.
He recalled that upon appointment as minister from Aug. 21 to date, the federal government has ensured synergy among parastatals, institutions under the ministry, organised ICT skills training for youths to ensure digital job creation which has impacted over 5,000 citizens.
The minister also said that distress call centres has been established across the country to connect citizens to agencies that should provide help for them when in need.
He added that there has been harmonisation of emergency free toll number 112 to promote security and resolved issues of lingered incomplete SIM card registrations, among other achievements by the government.
Director General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, noted that digital economy had changed the mode of operation of governments to add value to the system. (NAN)