FG urged to fast track national digital economy blueprint

The Federal Government has been urged to ensure the full implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) which will serve as a blueprint for positioning Nigeria as a leading digital economy in the world.

This is the content of a communique issued at the end of the 2024 Nigeria Govtech Conference and Awards organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) themed, “Digital Innovations as a Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda” held in Abuja.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, while speaking at the Conference, said the Federal Government is commitment to advancing digital approach to governance as parts of effort to modernise its operations, create more transparent and efficient systems of the public service as the engine room for government policies.

The communique however called on the Federal Government to continue investing in the digital transformation of public institutions, support the development of a robust IT infrastructure, encourage innovation and the use of emerging technologies in governance.

It also emphasised the need to leverage on the opportunities presented by emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology and other IT infrastructure to harness the drive for greater innovation and efficiency in service delivery.

“The government should ensure the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) implementation which serves as a blueprint for positioning Nigeria as a leading digital economy across the world and also ensure the execution of the Nigeria E-Government master plan which provides a roadmap for the adoption of digital tools and platforms to enhance government service delivery.

“Regulation sometimes constrains innovation. However, the need to strengthen enforcement was emphasized. The BPSR should champion the campaign against unethical practices in the Public Service to ensure decorum.

“It was advised that the production of IT devices locally should be encouraged by all stakeholders. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDTC) should ensure that customers data privacy be secured in collaborate with Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, NITDA among others,” the communique signed by the Director General of BPSR, Dr Dasuki Arabi read.

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