Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) has tasked Ministries, Departments, Agencies and private sector to embrace and implement provisions of the Nigeria Local Content Policy.
The minister who was represented by Director e-Government Department of the ministry, Mr Tope Fashedemi at the 3rd local content roundtable and technology fair held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja stated that the ministry instituted the local content ICT policy by launching guidelines for Nigeria Content Development in ICT in December 2013.
He added that office for Nigeria Content Development in ICT (ONC) was also created to drive the policy under the supervision of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to ensure nationwide adherence to the specific focus on four areas -services, software, human capital development and hardware.
The minister said, “The recent change in the ministry’s name by Mr President was an upshot of the fact that ICT is presently one of the key pillars of our economy in terms of contribution to the nation’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP) and digital economy policy has the potential to increase revenue and block leakages, lead to creation of new jobs and employment opportunities; pave way for e-Government to engender efficient and effective service delivery and general empowerment of the people.”
In his remarks, convener of the event, Group Managing Director of FinTrak Software, Bimbo Abioye said the focus of event was to unmask the solutions that have been tested in both private and public sector of the economy.
“The focus of this roundtable discussion is to bring to light the solutions that has been tested in both private and public sectors of the economy and to ensure that we begin to patronise solutions that are developed in Nigeria to strengthen our capacity, stem the tide of foreign exchange outflows and provide employment for our teaming youths,” he said.
Lead facilitator Mr. Inye Kemabonta stated the role of government policies in promoting indigenous ICT companies and building capacity of public servants, policy makers and entrepreneurs in local content issues.
He however advocated for the removal of grey areas and public misconceptions about the local content policy of government, while urging government to spend public funds on purchase of domestic products for its own use to develop the indigenous industry.
President, Certified Computer Manufacturers of Nigeria (CCMON) Engr Adenike Abudu in her goodwill message pleaded with government to strengthen her will to fully implement local content policy. Adding that, “we use this opportunity to remind government that the success of its policies is highly dependent on its action and inaction.”
Executive Secretary Africa ICT Foundation Mr Emmanuel Basse promised to support the Nigerian government by his Foundation’s objective of training and empowering 200,000 Nigerian youths annually across the six geo-political zones on software development and other digital skills.
