Roadmap will enhance Nigerians access to ICT – Minister

The federal government has officially launched the ICT Roadmap 2017-2020; saying that it will open pathways for citizens to access seamless ICT in every part of the country.
Launching the Roadmap with a theme: “Official Launching and Sensitization Workshop on Nigeria ICT Road Map at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos state, Minister of Communications, Dr.
Adebayo Shittu said it was aimed at providing every Nigerian with access to ICT and improve quality of service delivery from the government.
He further stated that the sensitization programme and launching of the Roadmap 2017-2020 had been deliberately planned by the ministry as part of its post Roadmap engagements in furtherance of its desire to broaden continuous consultations with stakeholders in the private sector.
According to him the ICT roadmap promotes public-private partnership which was geared towards investments in highquality infrastructural facilities and services.
He noted that without effective involvement of the private sector in the implementation of the roadmap, its efficacy as a tool for harnessing the potentials of the sector will be fruitless.
“For government leveraging private sector resources, efficiency, expertise, and speed can go a long way in complementing efforts in the development process.” He urged the private sector to grab the enormous opportunities offered by the Roadmap and invest in the local content development to boost the nation’s economy.
S h i t t u s a i d t h e M i n i s t r y o f Communications, alongside her agencies have recorded appreciable achievements since the approval of the Roadmap by the Federal Executive Council on the area of infrastructural development, E-Governments, Industry development, Capacity building Local contents development and Innovation.
The ICT Roadmap according to Shittu, brings about job, wealth creation, capacity building for sustainability in the sector and improvement in government revenue generation.
Speaking earlier at the event the permanent secretary, Ministry of Communications, Mrs.
NkechiEjele said the essence of the event was to further create awareness on the wide range of opportunities in the Roadmap to private partners and entrepreneurs that will boost Nigeria economy and capacity of Nigeria youth.
President of African Telecommunications (ATCOM), Engr.
OlusholaTeniola, who spoke on behalf of the private sector called for policy harmonization amongst government agencies to achieve the goals of the Roadmap.
Teniola challenged the government and the private sector to make Nigeria ICT infrastr ucture grow through policy harmonization, monitoring, and implementation, as well as the patronage of Nigerian made ICT infrastructure.
In Jos remarks, managing director Film Track Software, Mr.
Bimbo Ajiboye commended the current administration for it’s commitment at ensuring patronage of Nigeria local content which is key to encouraging local entrepreneurs and would in turn boost the nation’s economy through job creation