How FG’ll drive the economy relying on ICT, by Minister of Communications

The Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu has once again averred that the federal government is positioning the economy by leveraging on Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Represented by the Assistant chief Information officer in the ministry, Mrs. Pauline Sule in an event in Lagos, Shittu said the ministry of communications would take the lead in repositioning the country’s economy to leverage on ICT for growth and development.

He added that the ministry in taking the lead needed the support and cooperation of the organized private sector, civil society groups and well-meaning Nigerians to unlock the potential of the ICT sector.

Shittu explained that the task of repositioning the economy will require necessary steps to encourage the ICT ecosystem, identify policy benefits, business opportunities and technology solutions.

Part of the strategies will be to share best practices and form strategic relationships that would drive the country’s ICT and telecoms industry to profitability and growth.

He said “In addition, it will support key players and start-ups like social responsibility initiatives to encourage a passion for ICT in young people across the African continent and Nigeria in particular”.

The minister revealed that Galaxy Backbone, a leading ICT infrastructure and services provider and NIGCOMSAT, a communications satellite company had signed an MoU improve efficiency, reduce cost and avoid duplication in the provision of connectivity services to government ministries, departments and agencies.

Analysts say one of the surest ways to achieve seamless integration ICT into governance is to deepen broadband penetration.