ACCI harps on tech for economic growth, job creation

Chairman of, Abuja Trade Centre of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Johnson Anene, has stressed the need to use modern technology to grow the nation’s economy as well as create wealth and jobs for the teeming unemployed youths. 

Speaking, yesterday, at the maiden International Technology and Communication Expo (ITEC Expo 2023) in Abuja, Anene noted that technology plays a critical role in the advancement of a country’s economy, adding that progress will elude the country, if it ignores modern technology. 

He said: “Technology is very important in our daily lives and business activities. We need to move our national economy forward. Our economic growth needs to be improved. But without technology and proper digital communication, there will be no advancement.”

Anene, who explained that the expo was to promote the application of technology and effectively communication in business, private and national life, stressed the need to bring investors to key into indigenous innovative products and opportunities. He added that the expo would go a long way in bridging the gap between African investment prospects and international investors.

According to the ACCI boss, the major problem in the country is lack of implementation of the various policy initiatives that will enhance economic growth; hence the chamber will liaise with the incoming government to ensure that policies that will aide technological innovations in the country are implemented. 

Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, said Nigeria must pace up, not just in terms of consumption of the possibilities before it, but also in terms of contribution to the body of creative and innovative knowledge responsible for the tools and skills needed for technological development.

He said: “The reality of today is that every facet of human existence has been exponentially impacted by Information and Communications Technology; from agriculture to education, energy, information dissemination and, indeed, security. The gadgets that enable what we do and how we do what we do have dramatically changed the landscape of what is possible and the time it takes to achieve our tasks. We are, undoubtedly, witnessing the dawn of a fusion of creativity, intelligence and machines, that is pushing the boundaries of the realm of development as we know it.”

Represented by VON Director of Digital Media, Hajia Sani, the DG noted that Nigeria had the potential to positively impact the world and meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He added: “Indeed, the story of the Nigerian spirit and resilience is just now being written. This remains a pivotal position of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, as encapsulated in the Nigerian Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the Nigeria e-Government Interoperability Framework (NeGIF), both of which encourage and empower all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to implement cross-portfolio collaborations among themselves and with Nigerian businesses at home and abroad.”