As part of its commitment to bolstering the nation’s digital economy, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, has taken a significant step by inaugurating the Technical Working Committee (TWC) tasked with implementing the National Data Strategy (NDS).
The NDS, carefully developed by the National Data Technical Working Group comprising experts from various sectors, aims to address the vital role of data utilization in Nigeria and leverage its power to drive innovation, economic growth, and social development across the country.
During the committee’s formal inauguration, Dr. William Alo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the government’s recognition of the importance of ethical and responsible data usage, data privacy, protection, and governance to ensure citizens’ well-being and privacy while promoting innovation. Dr. Alo stressed the need for collaborative efforts across sectors, engaging stakeholders, and hearing every voice to fully harness the potential of data.
“The NDS roadmap will guide Nigeria in leveraging data to identify new opportunities, optimize existing processes, and make informed decisions that accelerate economic growth,” said the Perm Sec, expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to a data-driven Nigeria as part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Dr. Alo commended the dedication and expertise of the participants, acknowledging that they will be the driving force behind the successful implementation of the Nigeria Data Strategy.
In his keynote address, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), highlighted the strategic importance of data in driving the digital economy. He referenced figures from the World Economic Forum and Statistics, showcasing the immense value of the data-driven economy, currently estimated at over $3 trillion and projected to reach $5 trillion in the future.
Mr. Inuwa emphasized that the digital economy, valued at over $16 trillion, contributed $13.5 trillion to the global GDP in 2018, and this year’s projection stands at a staggering $53.5 trillion, accounting for over 50% of the global GDP.
He outlined the seven key pillars of the National Data Strategy crucial for Nigeria’s successful transition to a digital economy. These pillars include Data Literacy and Skills, Data Security and Privacy, Data Sovereignty, Data Infrastructure, Data Harmonization, Data Usability, Inclusivity, and Accessibility.
Highlighting data as the currency of the digital economy, Mr. Inuwa urged the Technical Working Group to provide productive recommendations to help regulatory agencies effectively implement the strategy.
The event also included presentations on the workshop’s expectations and deliverables, TWC Terms of Reference, and engaging Breakout and Plenary Sessions. With the inauguration of the Technical Working Committee, Nigeria is taking a significant stride towards becoming a data-driven economy, setting a path for innovation, growth, and inclusivity in the digital age.
