Federal government has raised awareness about the Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a critical national infrastructure, in the same mold with power, roads, railways and other essentials, according to Dr. Omobola Johnson, minister of Communication Technology.
Johnson said President Jonathan is committed to the transformation of Nigeria into a digitalized economy which is evident in the creation of the Ministry of Communication Technology to facilitate this transformation.
She stated this at the installation of Goodluck Jonathan as Nigeria’s first digital President at Centenary Awards held in Abuja recently.
The Minister said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has raised awareness about ICT as a critical national infrastructure- in the same mold with power, roads, railways etc.
“The President, aware of the key role Broadband plays in facilitating the economic and social development of any nation, facilitated the creation of a Broadband Strategy and Roadmap Plan for Nigeria and charged the Ministry of Communication Technology to commence the implementation of the Plan.
“The Ministry immediately set up a Broadband Council that is currently implementing the Plan with a target to increase the broadband penetration in Nigeria currently at about 7% to 30% by 2017.
“The Ministry with the full support of President Jonathan has achieved great strides in Mr President’s quest to facilitate Nigeria’s transformation via ICTs.
She assured the organizers that the vision of Mr President to leverage ICTs for the overall development of Nigeria is being realised and Nigeria will be a reference point for ICT development in the globe.