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Building Digital Infrastructure Is First Step To Technology Growth – ICT Minister

The Minister of ICT, Omobola Johnson, has said that building digital infrastructure and improving internet accessibility are first steps that should be taken in making Nigeria … Continue reading Building Digital Infrastructure Is First Step To Technology Growth – ICT Minister


ict ministerThe Minister of ICT, Omobola Johnson, has said that building digital infrastructure and improving internet accessibility are first steps that should be taken in making Nigeria vast in technology.

She said that for Africa and Nigeria to be connected, there has to be a robust, cost effective and reliable ICT infrastructure.

She also noted the need for ICT infrastructure to be used as economic benefit, thereby creating digital awareness for people, to know how to use the internet in terms of education, business and entertainment.

Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, live from Abuja, Sunrise Daily, the Minister explained that in the last 6 months, the Universal Service Provisions Fund (USP), mapped the whole country to see the rural areas that lack ICT infrastructures which is one of the main focus for the ICT ministry. She added that although some of the areas may not be commercially viable for telecom operators, they are economically active, as they could create more productivity.

“There are people there that are running businesses and generating income, we can increase their productivity by moving in there with the help of USP subsidy to encourage network operators to go to those areas”.

The Minister further explained that most SMEs could not afford the use of ICT infrastructure because it was expensive for businesses trying to grow. “With the help of Cloud technologies which is a software application, SMEs will be able to use technology,” she said.

“Statistics show that SMEs that use technology grow 50% faster than SMEs that don’t use technology”.

The Minister also explained that there was a grate difference between quality of service and infrastructure, stating that the delivery of service in Nigeria can be better. She mentioned that infrastructures especially at the ongoing World Economic Forum On Africa had improved with high standard through the co-operation of the Federal Capital Development Authority.

She also pointed out that  some states, Anambra, Ondo, Bayelsa and Katsina were working with the ICT Ministry to improve the quality of internet service and develop the infrastructure in their states.