Empowering Nigeria in the digital age

As Nigeria celebrates 64 years of sovereignty, the country stands at a critical juncture in its digital transformation journey. In the digital age, access to digital resources has become increasingly important for promoting equity, fostering fair resource sharing, and ensuring
sustainability. With the rapid advancements in technology and the growing importance of digital tools in various sectors, Nigeria needs to focus on expanding access to digital resources for all citizens.

This requires a concerted effort from both the government and the citizens to address the challenges, opportunities, and complexities of the digital age.

Of course, access to digital resources and technology has become a critical factor in driving economic growth, innovation, and overall development. For Nigeria to realise its full potential and achieve global recognition as a leading nation, it is essential to ensure true
equitable access to these resources for all citizens.

By focusing on fair resource sharing, sustainability, and inclusivity, Nigeria can harness the transformative power of technology to improve the quality of life for its people and drive progress in various sectors of the economy.

Nigeria, at 64 years old in October 2024, is a country with great potential in the digital age. As one of the largest economies in Africa, Nigeria has a young and vibrant population that is eager to embrace new technologies and innovation.

One of the key factors that will drive Nigeria’s development in the digital age is its booming tech industry. With hubs like Lagos becoming known as “Africa’s Silicon Valley,” the country is attracting tech talent and investments from around the world. Startups and tech companies in Nigeria are creating solutions for local challenges and competing on a global scale.

However, Nigeria still faces challenges in fully harnessing the potential of the digital age. Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of digital literacy, and cybersecurity concerns need to be addressed for the country to fully benefit from the digital revolution.

As Nigeria celebrates its 64th anniversary, it should focus on expanding access to the internet and digital technologies for its citizens, investing in digital skills development, and creating an enabling environment for tech startups and innovation. By prioritising these areas, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in the digital age and drive economic growth and development for its people.

The argument that Nigeria is a country and not yet a nation is a complex and nuanced one that has been debated for many years. The distinction between a country and a nation lies in unity, cohesion, and shared identity among its citizens. While Nigeria is a country in the sense
that it is a sovereign state with defined borders, a government, and institutions, it still grapples with challenges of tribalism, ethno-religious divisions, and lack of a unifying national identity.

Governance plays a critical role in bridging the gap between being a country and a nation. Effective governance that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all citizens is essential in fostering national unity and cohesion. In the digital age, technology can be leveraged to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance processes. E-governance initiatives can improve service delivery, increase access to information, and empower citizens to participate in decision-making processes.

Another key aspect of the argument is the call for a return to true federalism in Nigeria. True federalism involves devolving power and resources to the states and local governments, allowing for greater autonomy and decision-making at the sub-national levels. This can help
address issues of marginalisation, inequality, and ethnic tensions by giving different regions more control over their affairs and resources.

In the digital age, true federalism can be supported by leveraging technology to enhance communication, collaboration, and resource allocation between different tiers of government. Digital platforms can facilitate inter-governmental coordination, data sharing, and policy implementation, leading to more effective and efficient governance.

Essentially, the journey towards becoming a nation requires a collective effort from all stakeholders in Nigeria – government, civil society, private sector, and citizens. Embracing technology, promoting good governance, and advocating for true federalism can all contribute to bridging the divide between being a country and a nation, and fostering a united, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria in the digital age.

Furthermore, in the quest for Nigeria to truly embody the essence of a nation, it is imperative to emphasise the significance of regionalism as the foundation of a genuine federal system. Regionalism, rooted in the principle of devolution of powers to distinct regions within the country, can catalyse fostering unity while also respecting the diverse cultural, social, and economic identities across Nigeria’s regional landscape. This form of true federalism holds the potential to empower regions, promote equitable distribution of resources, and enhance local governance structures, thereby strengthening the overall fabric of the nation as a cooperative and dynamic entity.

Embracing regionalism as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s federal structure could pave the way for greater inclusivity, participatory decision-making, and sustainable development that resonates authentically with the nation’s diverse constituents Citizens have a crucial role to play in the digital transformation of Nigeria.

By acquiring digital skills, actively participating in the digital economy, and advocating for equitable access to digital resources, citizens can contribute to bridging the digital divide and reducing inequalities. Additionally, citizens can engage in public discourse, support policies that promote fair resource sharing, and hold the government and private sector accountable for their actions in the digital sector.

On the other hand, the government plays a central role in creating an enabling environment for digital development, regulating the digital sector, and promoting fair resource sharing and sustainability. Government policies and programs are crucial for promoting investment in digital infrastructure, supporting digital skills development, and fostering innovation in the digital economy.

Achieving truly equitable access to digital resources is essential for Nigeria to reach its full potential and become a leading nation in the digital age. By ensuring that all citizens have access to digital tools, skills, and opportunities, Nigeria can harness the transformative power
of technology to drive economic growth, promote innovation, and improve the quality of life for its people. With a focus on fair resource sharing, sustainability, and inclusivity, Nigeria has the potential to become a global leader in the digital economy and earn recognition on
the international stage as a nation that embraces the opportunities of the digital age for the benefit of all its citizens.

Regionalism can indeed play a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and national identity in Nigeria. By devolving power and resources to the regions, true federalism can allow for more autonomy and decision-making at the sub-national level, which can help address issues
of marginalisation, inequality, and ethnic tensions. Regionalism can also promote a sense of ownership and accountability among citizens, as they have a more direct stake in the governance and development of their respective regions.

Furthermore, regionalism can help harness the unique strengths and resources of each region, promoting balanced development and economic growth across the country. Different regions in Nigeria have diverse cultural, economic, and natural resources that can be leveraged to drive local development and contribute to the overall prosperity of the nation.

In the context of the digital age, regionalism can be supported by technology to enhance connectivity, communication, and collaboration between regions. Digital platforms can facilitate inter-regional coordination, data sharing, and knowledge exchange, leading to more efficient resource allocation, policy implementation, and development planning.

However, it is important to strike a balance between regional autonomy and national cohesion to prevent the fragmentation or balkanisation of the country. Regionalism should be seen as a means to strengthen the unity and diversity of Nigeria rather than as a way to create further divisions or separatist movements.

Undoubtedly, for Nigeria to become a nation, regionalism as true federalism can be the key to promoting a more inclusive, equitable, and united society. By empowering the regions to take charge of their developmen while working towards common national goals, Nigeria can harness its diversity as a strength and build a more cohesive and prosperous nation in the digital age.

As Nigeria commemorates 64 years of sovereignty, the imperative of expanding access to digital resources remains central to fostering equity, promoting fair resource sharing, and advancing sustainability in the digital era. This ongoing focus underscores the commitment towards building a more inclusive society where all citizens have equal opportunities to leverage digital tools for their growth and development. Nigeria’s journey towards digital transformation aligns with the vision of creating a society that is not only technologically empowered but also founded on principles of fairness, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.

At this time, it is important to recognise the significant role that expanding access to digital resources can play in promoting equity, fairness, and sustainability in the country. In the digital age, access to technology and information is a vital aspect of development, as it can empower individuals and communities, bridge inequalities, and drive economic growth.

Expanding access to digital resources can create opportunities for marginalised groups, such as women, youth, and rural populations, to participate in the digital economy and benefit from the opportunities it presents. By ensuring that all citizens have access to affordable and reliable internet connectivity, devices, and digital skills training, Nigeria can foster a more inclusive society where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute to the country’s development.

Additionally, focusing on fair resource sharing in the digital space can help address the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of digital transformation are distributed equitably across the population. This includes investing in digital infrastructure, such as broadband networks
and digital literacy programs, in underserved communities to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas and reduce disparities in access to information and opportunities.

Furthermore, sustainability should be a key consideration in Nigeria’s digital development efforts, as the country strives to build a resilient and environmentally conscious society. Embracing renewable energy sources, promoting e-waste management practices, and adopting green technologies can help reduce the carbon footprint of the digital sector and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.

By prioritising equitable access to digital resources, fair resource sharing, and sustainability in the digital age, Nigeria can harness the power of technology to create a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable society for all its citizens as it moves forward as a sovereign state.

Nonetheless, both citizens and the government play central roles in addressing the issues related to expanding access to digital resources,
promoting fair resource sharing, and ensuring sustainability in Nigeria’s digital age.

Citizens have a responsibility to actively participate in the digital economy, acquire digital skills, and adapt to the changing technological landscape. By taking advantage of the opportunities provided by digital resources, citizens can improve their livelihoods, access education and healthcare services, and engage with government and civil society in meaningful ways. Empowering citizens to use digital tools effectively can also help bridge the digital divide and reduce inequalities in access to information and opportunities.

Additionally, citizens can advocate for policies and programs that promote fair resource sharing and sustainability in the digital sector.

By engaging in public discourse, supporting initiatives that promote equitable access to digital resources, and holding the government and private sector accountable for their actions, citizens can help shape a more inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem in Nigeria.

On the other hand, the government plays a critical role in creating an enabling environment for digital development, regulating the digital sector, and ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are shared equitably among citizens. Government policies and programs can promote investment in digital infrastructure, support digital skills development, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital economy.

Furthermore, the government is responsible for promoting fair resource sharing by implementing policies that encourage competition, transparency, and accountability in the digital sector. This includes measures to prevent monopolistic practices, promote data privacy and security, and ensure that digital resources are distributed in a manner that benefits society as a whole.

In terms of sustainability, the government can lead by example by adopting green technologies, promoting energy efficiency, and incorporating environmental considerations into digital development initiatives. By setting clear regulations and incentives for sustainable practices in the digital sector, the government can help reduce the environmental impact of digital technologies and promote a more sustainable and resilient digital ecosystem in Nigeria.

Overall, both citizens and the government have complementary roles to play in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the
digital age in Nigeria. By working together collaboratively and proactively, they can ensure that digital resources are accessible to all, shared fairly, and used sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations.

In conclusion, as Nigeria celebrates 64 years of existence as a sovereign state, the country must embrace the opportunities and challenges of the digital age to ensure a sustainable and equitable
future for all its citizens. By expanding access to digital resources, promoting fair resource sharing, and fostering sustainability in the digital sector, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of digital technologies to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the quality of life for its people. Through collaboration and partnership between citizens and the government, Nigeria can harness the transformative power of digital technology to build a more inclusive and prosperous society for generations to come. As Nigeria strives to become a leading nation in the digital age, it is crucial to prioritise equitable access to digital resources for all citizens. By embracing fair resource sharing, sustainability, and inclusivity, Nigeria can tap into the full potential of technology to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and improve the overall quality of life for its people. With a concerted effort to promote digital inclusion and ensure that no one is left behind, Nigeria can truly stand out on the global stage as a nation that leverages the opportunities of the digital age for the benefit of all.

Ademola is a professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management.