By Seun Adams
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, has expressed optimism on the move between Nigeria and Japan to partner on Communications, Digital Economy and Technology drive for the wellbeing of their citizens.
The disclosure was made when the Minister in charge of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Pantami, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bitrus Nabasu, received in audience the Ambassador-designate of Japan, Mr. Sadanabu Kusaote Umer, in a courtesy call to the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Press in the Ministry, Mrs. Philomena Abiamuwe-Mowete, she quoted the Minister as reiterating the determination of the federal government through the ministry towards digitizing the country’s economy.
He emphasized that there is no doubt that the economy of Japan is being driven by modern technology adding that it will be of immense benefit for Nigeria to collaborate with Japan to develop her digital economy sector which will in turn increase her Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
On the change of the Ministry’s name and nomenclature to reflect Communications and Digital Economy, he explained that this was to enable it fully digitize the economy with the objective of enhancing economic growth and the creation of employment for its teaming youths.
According to him, Nigeria is largely a mono economy with crude oil as its major source of foreign earning, explaining that the price of crude oil is subject to volatilities and vulnerabilities because of emerging dynamics in the global knowledge economy which makes oil unattractive in the global market, therefore Nigeria can no longer depend on oil alone to advance as a nation, he added.
He stated that the time has come to “think out of the box” by diversifying our economy in the area of digitalization of the Nation’s Economy.
He said the ministry is looking forward to a stronger partnership with the Japan technology companies for employment generation for its people who are unemployed, especially its youths.
In a remark, the Ambassador-designate, expressed joy and optimism at the cordial relations that exist between Nigeria and his country
He pledged his country’s commitment to Nigeria’s realization of a digital society through introducing digital technology for more effective and efficient development cooperation in various areas, through infrastructure development for building a digital society, supporting spontaneous development through the spread of digitalization and developing a secure, free and open cyber space.