We need new ICT policy for digital inclusion —NCS

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has canvassed a new national Information and Communications Technology (ICT) policy for the country that will incorporate digital inclusion as a pivotal factor for driving Nigeria’s socio-economic and political developments.

The President of the NCS, Professor Adesola Aderounmu, who made the call at the 27th National Conference of the society, with the theme: ‘Digital Inclusion-Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies’ in Ibadan, Oyo State, last week, also advised government that the new policy should cover ICT infrastructure, broadband internet, fibre optic communication, local content prioritisation and regulatory framework.

“It is my belief that building a digitally connected, prosperous Nigerian society, requires taking advantage of the opportunities of digital inclusion, overcoming its challenges and strategising for the future,” Aderounmu said.

He listed three key areas of action that could help digital inclusion become a reality in Nigeria to include Access, Affordability and Application.

Access, he said, was about building high speed internet access and make it available to all members of the society, such that people who cannot afford digital technologies, can do so for free in public places. He said affordability would drive access to internet and digital devices, while application implies that digital technologies and services are usable by people with varying levels of digital skills and abilities, including people with disabilities.

“As Nigeria lags behind the rest of the world in digital inclusion, it is our professional challenge as NCS to identify knowledge gaps, proffer solutions and instigate collaborative efforts to quicken the pace of digital inclusion forward for our country Nigeria,” Aderounmu said.

The Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Aziz, who was the Keynote speaker at the conference, stressed the need to bridge the existing digital divide in the country, for an all inclusive digital initiative. He advised that government must implement digital inclusion strategies that is based on principles of equal opportunity, participation and integration.

Speaking on the benefits of digital inclusion, Aziz said it would promote social integration, civic engagement and participation, as well as promote self sufficiency. He said Nigeria must care about digital inclusion and develop her human capacity around it.

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The governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who declared the conference opened, commended NCS for bringing its annual conference to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The governor stressed the need for governments at all levels to adopt digital technology, which he said would enhance good governance and policy formulation that will create jobs for Nigerians. He said the ability of government to use key technology to create enabling business environment, would offer huge opportunities for the citizens.

The Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayinka Adeyemo, said there was need to widen the digital inclusion initiative in the country to accommodate more people. He called for innovative changes that would drive digital inclusion in the country, and stressed the need to support the development of indigenous apps that would address societal needs.

The Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, Ms. Funke Opeke, who corroborated the words of the governor, however, stressed the need for digital infrastructure, if Nigeria must achieve digital inclusion. According to her, without digital infrastructure, it would be difficult for Nigeria to achieve digital inclusion.

She said the digital infrastructure level in the country is still low and must be increased to enable Nigerians have access to digital connectivity.

She said while developed countries are beginning to pull down their 2G and 3G technology networks and are investing in 4G technology, Nigeria is still investing in 2G and 3G technologies in providing services to customers.