CommTech Ministry Commends NCS, Eyes 10% Industry Contribution to GDP

Ministry of Communications Technology (CommTech) has maintained that Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry can increase its contribution to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 10% in the next three years.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Omobola Johnson, the miniter at the commencement of a 3-day Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) national conference in Enugu, Mr Inye Kemabonta, director of Standards and Regulation, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said, although the sector's contribution to the economy stands at 8%, the Ministry has been working assiduously with stakeholders in building robust a industry.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek recalled that the target is part of a five-fold increase in broadband penetration by 2017 vigorously pursued by Ministry.

While applauding the choice of the conference theme: "Building a Knowledge Based Economy in Nigeria: The Role of Information Technology", he said, the National Broadband Strategy and Roadmap which was approved and released last year is expected to help revolutionize communications in Nigeria and optimize the nation’s adoption of global best practices in the use of Information and communications technology.

According to him, "The drives and urges exhibited by the Ministry in the pursant of a knowledge-based economy are evident in the numerous projects,  interventions and collaborations made by the Ministry in the recent time. For instance, the iDEA centre in Calabar has turned Tinapa to a knowledge centre.

"We are also saying that we need more collaborative approach to solving ICT challenges. NCS forms a significant partner following the moves to ensure the industry can contribute about 10% to the nation's GDP in the next three years.

"We companies and organisations are welcome on board. We will see more programmes rolled out towards this goal. For instance, at Demo Africa 12 companies shall emerge in the quest to drive Nigeria's 'silicon valley' approach", he said.

On deepening the broadband penetration, especially in rural communities by rolling-out critical infrastructure in the sector, he said it is a project that every stakeholder should embrace.

Kemabonta added that building a knowledge-based economy goes beyond developing "codes", rather ensuring that sustainable companies, are built, and protected.

He charged NCS with over 17,000 members to support government's IT agenda and align themselves with Agencies like NITDA for build a formidable industry.

Earlier, Professor David Adewumi, president of NCS, said that the conference theme is more appropriate considering that modern economies are increasingly based on knowledge and information as the drivers of productivity and growth.

He said that NCS would continue to stress on the need to government and private sector to strike a balance in broadening all aspects of knowledge based economy, adding that improved education and IT application can not be neglected.

The conference which commence in Enugu State has over 3000 participants and more than 35 speakers.