The Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, on Wednesday assured that the Federal Government would continue to formulate policies that will promote the diversification of the nation’s economic base in view of the far-reaching socio-economic benefits of the initiative for the country.
Shittu made the remarks at this at the opening session of the 15th International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Resolution 609 Consultation Meeting and Radio Navigation Satellite Service Symposium held in Abuja.
He explained that the economic diversification agenda would be implemented through the promotion of services cum technologies such as radio navigation satellite system in line with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
The minister also expressed the government’s support of backup satellite systems for NIGCOMSAT’S robust service delivery, continuity and expansion in areas and sectors that cover broadcasting, navigation, telecommunications services.
On recent steps being taken by the ministry to promote the digital economy, Shittu hinted that the Ministry of Communications was facilitating universal and cost-effective access to communications nationwide and leveraging ICT for national development through specific policy targets, objectives, and priorities in thematic areas of ICT.
He explained: “Critical infrastructure protection has received special attention in recent changes to national investment policies in Nigeria. It is our pledge to sustain the industry and surpass our contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in line with the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.”
The minister maintained that as national economies globally continued to become increasingly dependent on ICT, the Federal Government was keen at working closely with industry players and development partners to maximize the value of digital innovations for national growth.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele, who was represented at the forum by Dr. Patrick Oguhma, expressed delight that Nigeria was the first African country to host the first ever International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Resolution 609 Consultation Meeting since its inception in 2003 in Geneva.
She promised that the government will support the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited for its navigation overlay service in order to bridge the gap for effective and diversification of the economy.
