Stakeholders task ICT experts on indigenous technology

Some Stakeholders have urged Information and Communication Technology (ICT) experts to collaborate and promote indigenous technology and find solutions to technological challenges.

They gave the advice in Lagos on Tuesday at a Stakeholders Engagement Programme organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The theme of the programme was “Creating Opportunities, Breaking boundaries towards Digitalisation and Entrepreneurship Evolution”.

The Director-General, NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, said that the event was viewed as a veritable platform to pool knowledge, experience, expertise and to co-create solutions.

Inuwa, represented by Mr Babajide Ajayi, Director, Zonal Offices Directorate, said that it was also to articulate NITDA’s strategies and extend its services to all stakeholders, especially at the grassroots.

He said that in keeping with the value of innovativeness, the agency had constantly reviewed ideas, systems and processes and had been wary of providing old answers to new problems.

“We, therefore, hope that today’s event and the whole programme of stakeholders engagement across the country will provide fresh understanding and ideas on how we can deliver more impactful value to Nigerians.”

“Consequently, the objectives of the programme are to offer our stakeholders the opportunity to express their views and opinions on matters relating to the agency’s implementation of its mandate.”

“Establish sustainable collaboration and consistent channel for feedback and exchange of ideas; share with stakeholders our vision; regulatory instruments for national development; and our journey so far,” he said.

The NITDA boss, however, appreciated those who were able to attend the event, saying that nothing would have been possible without dedication and devotion to the tasks at hand.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Alhaji Hakeem Fahm, in his welcome address, advised stakeholders to work together to ensure that no one was left behind in the digital economy.

Fahm said that the digital economy would require a new generation of social protection laws and new interaction between labour and leisure.

He said that as a result, there was need for a significant investment in education.

He said that many commercial and social activities were being transformed due to the fast proliferation of digital technologies.

The commissioner further said that the growing digital gaps was threatening to push developing countries, particularly the least developed, even further behind.

According to him, to reinvent digital development plans and the future outlines of globalisation, a savvy embrace of new technology, strengthened alliances and increased intellectual leadership are required.

The commissioner noted that the digital economy had also introduced new concerns, ranging from cyber security breaches, to the facilitation of unlawful economic operations and the challenge of privacy notions.

Fahm said that as a result, governments, public society, academia, science and technology should collaborate to create innovative answers.

The Chief Executive Officer, Precise Financial Ltd., Dr Yele Okeremi, called for collaboration between public and private agencies to promote indigenous software.

Okeremi said that there was need to encourage local development, to encourage entrepreneurs and startups.