Buhari to attend e-Nigeria conference to promote digital economy

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is expected to declare open the 2018 e-Nigeria conference with the theme Promoting a Digital Economy in an Era of Emerging Technologies through Effective Regulations.

e-Nigeria is the Nation’s annual IT Flagship conference and exhibition forum which serves as a melting pot for the best brains and ideas in the Public, Private and Non-Governmental sector, organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) is the Federal Government arm responsible for regulating, developing and implementing the National IT Policy in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

It provides a platform for brainstorming on emerging technologies, local innovation and relevant ICT issues for the socio-economic development of Nigeria. It is also a platform that brings together professionals, industry players, innovators, startups, policy makers, investors and stakeholders generally with participants cutting across borders.

In a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs & External Relations of NITDA, Mrs Hadiza Umar, “since the maiden edition in 2007, e-Nigeria has attracted over 25,000 participants, including local and international thought leaders from business, government and academic communities.

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“A total of 150 different speakers and discussants have presented over 100 papers while 200 local and international businesses have exhibited at e-Nigeria over the last ten years. Each year, the e-Nigeria Conference, Exhibitions and Awards attract support from the highest level of political leadership.

“This year’s event is aptly titled “Promoting a Digital Economy in an Era of Emerging Technologies through Effective Regulations. The theme is a response to the complex mix of digital opportunities and challenges driven by the increasing influence of emerging technologies on the socio-economic aspect of our society.”

The statement, however, noted “e-Nigeria 2018 will be declared opened by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, President and Commander -in- Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Mallam Nuhu Ahmed Ribadu mni, Pioneer Chairman, EFCC will deliver the Keynote address.

“Partnerships for the nation’s number one IT event have been fostered between the supervisory Ministry of Communications, sister agencies and MDAs including The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Galaxy Backbone Ltd., NIPOST, NIGCOMSAT, CPN, NCS, etc.

“President Buhari will further advance the agenda for promoting digital economy, emerging technologies and effective regulations as a basis for Nigeria’s entry into the digital economy – the major theme of e-Nigeria 2018.”

Speakers at the event include the Minister of Communications, Barrister Abdur-Raheem Adebayo Shittu who is also the Chief Host and the Director General of the NITDA, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who is the Host and Convener of e-Nigeria 2018.