The Federal Government’s says it has a target of raising the contribution of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 21 per cent within the next two to three years.
Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this at the Public Servant Training Institute in Abuja, during the launch of a training programme for data protection officers.
While noting that the ICT sector currently contributes between 14 per cent and 16 per cent to the nation’s GDP, he said the administration was committed to positioning the digital economy as a central driver of growth.
“Under this administration, in the next two to three years, our projection is that we will be able to take this to 21 per cent, which means it will continue to be important,” he stated.
Tijani further expressed optimism that the government’s heavy investment in ICT infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation would significantly boost productivity and economic growth.
“As a nation, we are prioritising investment in digital economy, that is why we are investing in fibre optic network in the country to ensure that we connect all of our people, that is why we are making the drive to ensure that we can transform government services using technology, it is why we are pushing artificial intelligence to ensure that we can use this modern technology to help increase productivity,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the vulnerabilities associated with increased connectivity and called for stronger measures to safeguard citizens.
“The more connected we are, the more vulnerable we are. It is crucial for the government to protect its people,” he said.
Tijani also underlined the importance of a digital economy, stating, “There is no prosperity for any nation without a digital economy.”
He further urged the beneficiaries of the national certification training programme to take the training seriously as there is a huge global opportunity for such skills.
