Experts chart path to enhanced digital economy

For Nigeria to achieve a robust and sustainable system of national digital identity as well as advance the cause of the digital economy, stakeholders have emphasised the need for synergy among all organs of government both at the national and sub-national levels.

They urged that critical stakeholders, involving the government, private sector, civil society and individuals must all play their parts adequately in building a digital economy that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable.

Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Aziz, said this at this year’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) Club Africa Summit, where he spoke on ‘Digital Economy and the Nexus Between e-Identity, Connectivity and Financial Inclusion’.

Aziz, who mentioned how the country had made remarkable strides in advancing its digital infrastructure, expanding connectivity and promoting financial inclusion, said that achieving the trio would be crucial to driving sustainable growth and development in the digital age.

The benefits, the NIMC chief said, have the potential to transform the lives of millions of Nigerians, by providing them with access to essential services, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as driving economic growth.

Noting that the importance of connectivity in the digital age could not be overemphasised, he said the digital economy relies on high-speed internet access and reliable connectivity to function effectively.

He mentioned that Nigeria has made significant progress in expanding broadband access, with initiatives such as the National Broadband Plan and the licensing of new broadband providers.

However, he added that more needed to be done to ensure that all Nigerians have access to affordable and reliable connectivity, particularly those in rural areas.

Convener, The CIO Club Africa, Abiola Laseinde, emphasised how the summit is changing the narrative through the engagement of critical stakeholders, including the government to enhance the nation’s digital economy.

Citing advocacy, empowerment, think-tank and research and development, Laseinde, mentioned how the summit had played on advocacy, which is one of the Club’s four strategic pillars.

She said that objective of the summit was how Nigeria could achieve a digital transformation journey seamlessly, by effectively embracing technology and innovation.