Fed government pledges support for the use of ICT in export industry

Mr. M F Istifanus, permanent secretary, Ministry of Communications stated this at the just concluded Nigerian Export Summit and Awards 2019, with the theme: “The Digital Era, Business on the Move: Export in the Fast Lane,’’ held at Victoria Island, Lagos and was organised by AFRITEX.

Mr Istifanus who was represented by Dr. Patrick Oghuma, technical assistant, Ministry of Communications said that ministry aligns with the aim of the summit which is using ICT to provide valuable insight on current trends and practices in the export industry.

He noted that the export sector can play a facilitator’s role in boosting the economy and creating new wealth and entrepreneurship in our communities, stressing also that they are determined to roll out essential ICT services to all citizens, especially those who live in underserviced areas of the country.

The permanent secretary stated that the role of ICT in our economy cannot be overemphasized; saying that it is currently contributing up to 10.11% of Nigeria’s GDP and had created over 10 million jobs in the past 10 years.

According to him, “ICT is currently contributing up to 10.11% of Nigeria’s GDP and had created over 10 million jobs in the past 10 years.“Development in the ICT sector has provided well over $70 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) over the last 15 years.

“It is indeed one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy and is the second largest ICT market in Africa”.He stated that government will offer every support to ensure that our local ICT firms (service providers and manufacturers) have a qualitative competitive advantage over others.

“We as a government will offer every support to ensure that our local ICT firms (service providers and manufacturers) have a qualitative competitive advantage over others.

“We need to work together to seize this window of opportunity to deliver the potential this sector promises by exploring ICT export.“If we do so, Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology sector will attract international investors.

“As a Government, we are determined not just to restore growth, but growth that is diversified, inclusive; sustainable and robust in the long term, irrespective of whatever happens to the price of crude oil.“This ICT and Telecom sector should be able to export products and services, he added