Information technologies will quicken economic diversification — Mbah

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says effective deployment of emerging information technologies can fast track the diversification of the nation’s economy.

Mbah said this Wednesday while inaugurating the South-East Zonal Office of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Enugu.

Nigeria’s economy is largely dependent on the oil sector with agriculture, industry and service sectors also making significant contributions according to National Bureau Statistics records.

The governor said that there was compelling need to diversify the economy, expressing optimism that investment into the Information Technology space would do the magic.

He said that opening NITDA office in Enugu would open more horizons for the Nigerian youths and move the country closer to the dream of diversifying its economic streams.

“It is an opportunity for our teeming youths to have a platform to improve themselves to lifelong skills that will prepare them for the dynamic global world space today and tomorrow.

“The need and urgency to diversify our economy, both at national and sub-national levels, has never been more compelling than now.

“There are few sectors that hold the opportunities for us to accomplish that like the Information Technology space,” he said.

He said that merely having the opportunities without bringing them to fruition would not bring about the desired economic results.

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said that the Enugu Zonal Office would serve as a permanent bridge between national policy and local talents.

Tijani said that inauguration of the NITDA Regional Office in Enugu meant the establishment of a permanent bridge between national policy and local potential.

According to him, this in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to reposition Nigeria’s economic fortunes.

“It is a strategic move under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu- a commitment to decentralising opportunity, deepening inclusion, and unlocking the full power of Nigeria’s digital economy across every region.

“By placing NITDA closer to the people right here in the South-East, we are saying clearly that no region should have to wait for innovation to reach them.

“Innovation must grow with them,” he said.

The minister explained that the NITDA office would serve as an engine room for digital skills development, through programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.

“There will be support for startups and indigenous tech solutions.

“There will also be regulatory advisory to help businesses thrive within the frameworks that protect Nigerians,” he said.