Dr. Bosun Tijani, the honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy recently released the strategic blueprint for the ministry.
Introducing the 31 paged document, the minister said,
“In the spirit of progress and innovation, I am pleased to share this strategic blueprint for the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy. This document is a critical launchpad in our journey towards a Nigeria that thrives in the digital age in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President.”
The Minister acknowledged the nation’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, stating that Nigeria at the moment ,stands at a pivotal juncture with the potential to achieve inclusive prosperity.
He pointed out that President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda underscores the transformative power of technology and innovation in fostering economic growth.
This strategic blueprint encompasses five key pillars:
- Knowledge
- Policy
- Infrastructure
- Innovation, entrepreneurship and capital (IEC), and
- Trade
Each of these serves as a vital component of the nation’s development strategy.
Unlocking Economic Growth through Technology and Innovation
In today’s interconnected world, technological progress and efficiency gains play an important role in increasing a nation’s output and income. Beyond traditional factors of production, such as labor and capital, advancing technology and Total Factor Productivity (TFP) are central to boosting economic growth. The ministry recognizes this and is committed to fostering technological and digital advancements to enhance economic development.
Pillar 1: Knowledge – Powering Nigeria’s Digital Transformation
Knowledge is the cornerstone of a sustainable economy. It drives innovation, technological advancements, and economic growth. Thus, Nigeria’s strategic blueprint will focus on three key objectives:
- Accelerating its growth as a global technical talent hub,
- Deepening its global research position in critical technology areas,
- Raising digital literacy levels across the country.
The measurable goals of these objectives include;
- To train 3 million technical talents and prioritize job placement by end of 2027
- To increase the level of digital literacy of our population to 70% by end of 2027
- To position Nigeria in the top 25 percentile of research globally in 6 key areas – Artificial Intelligence (AI), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), IoT, Robotics, Blockchain and Additive Manufacturing.
Pillar 2: Policy – Creating a Conducive Environment
Well-designed and executed policies are essential for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
Over the next four years , Nigeria will focus on encouraging investment, research and development, and the protection of intellectual property.
This will attract talent and investment for an enhanced innovation ecosystem.
Nine priority policy initiatives have been identified to drive this transformation.
Pillar 3: Infrastructure – Building the Digital Backbone
Nigeria’s digital transformation plan centers on expanding broadband access, efficient spectrum management, and enhancing postal and satellite communication infrastructure.
This ensures inclusive economic growth, providing opportunities for all segments of society.
Pillar 4: Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital – Nurturing Tech Ecosystem
According to the document, the goal is to empower the nation’s citizens by promoting innovation and technology for social and business good.
To achieve this, the ministry aims to stimulate startup growth, increase access to patient capital, and provide sector-specific support in critical areas like AgriTech and HealthTech.
Pillar 5: Trade – Nigeria’s Global Presence
This aims at prioritizing Nigeria’s positioning as a significant player in the global technology ecosystem.
Nigeria’s initiatives in the Trade pillar will stimulate economic growth, increase GDP growth rate, and elevate Nigeria’s Economic Complexity Index (ECI) Technology Index.
These pillars collectively will drive Nigeria’s digital transformation, foster innovation and boost economic growth in the technology sector.
With collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, within and outside the government, Nigeria is on a path to lead the digital age and shape a bright future for all its citizens.
Agencies
To achieve these feats, the ministry will be working with some agencies including;
- Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF)
- Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST)
- National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
- Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat)
- Galaxy Backbone
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
- Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)