‘Nigeria should explore opportunities in ICT’
The Federal Government has been advised to harness the opportunities presented by the Information Communication Technology (ICT) boom to boost her economy in the post-COVID-19 era.
SystemSpecs Executive Director, Deremi Atanda, gave the advice during the webinar organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria Centre for Financial Studies (CIBNCFS), with B. Adedipe Associates Limited (BAA), on how key sectors survived the pandemic and strategies for growth and profitability.
He said: “As the economy continues its slow recovery from the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is key that Nigeria takes more concerted efforts towards diversifying her economy. Technology holds a great potential that has barely been scratched and can be harnessed through well thought-out policies and a business climate that encourages innovation.’’
The technology expert lent his voice to the discourse on technology and innovation.
According to him, COVID-19 has represented more of an opportunity for the ICT sector than demerits
“Globally, COVID-19 has lent a great deal to the entrenchment of ICT in various sectors more than ever. I wish we were more prepared to maximise the opportunities ICT has presented us to improve the economy,” Atanda added.
He cited the 60 per cent of government workers working from home, suggesting that they could have been converted to an economic advantage, if the government had stimulated production and distribution of laptops, solicited the expansion of broadband, and increased digital literacy.
There has also been increased remittances as a result of direct economic activities by those in the ICT sector.
Atanda noted that this presents an opportunity for the government to develop outsourcing, adding: “by turning these young people into an economic workforce that we can unleash on the world.”
“Nigeria has a lot more to offer if we harness our tech policies and engage at a high level,” Atanda added.
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