The Federal Government has enjoined all states and key stakeholders in the digital economy to harness Artificial Intelligence potentials to drive economic prosperity, foster creativity and improve governance for national development.
The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, who doubles as the Chairman of 12th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, stated this while delivering his Keynote Address in Makurdi, Benue State.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo said “The mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to leverage digital technologies for national development.”
He said the main focus on accelerating AI adaptation through policy is to ensure that its positive impacts benefit all Nigerians while its risk is substantially mitigated
Dr.Tijani mentioned that through the Council, “We aim to achieve the following:
i. Promotion and development of digital infrastructure and human capital development;
ii. Identification of policy gaps and opportunities for AI adoption;
iii. Showcase innovative AI applications for sustainable development;
iv. Fostering collaborations among all stakeholders, be they public or private sectors.”
The minister further said that AI has great potential to revolutionise numerous sectors of the national economy, including health care, education, finance and agriculture.
He, however, stressed that to harness the full potentials of AI, “We must establish a digital and in particular , the IT infrastructure which include digital performing computing facilities, data storage and management system, advanced networking infrastructure, specialized IT software and tools; and importantly the human resource.”
Also, he told the Council members that their invaluable contributions will no doubt, inform as national strategy and will portray their course towards a digital economy that will benefit all Nigerians.
He equally urged them to continue to engage in their robust discussions, even after the Council meeting so as to share expertise and a course for Nigerian-AI driven future.
“I stand here today before you to emphasize on the critical need for ease of access to Right of Way for Telecommunication infrastructure deployment.
“I would like to inform my esteemed stakeholders that federal government has recently approved the set up of Special Purpose vehicle to build 90, 000km fibre optic cables across Nigeria with an estimated investment of over one thousands US dollars.
Dr. Tijani offered explanation that the initiative will prioritize needs with the right enabling environment for investment such as well established friendly policies and regulatory framework on the use of Right of Way for fibre optic for infrastructure implementation.
Furthermore, he also urged all policy makers, business leaders, and stakeholders to collaborate in establishing a robust infrastructure that will help in unlocking the full potentials of digital infrastructure including AI for national development.
The Honorable Minister extended his gratitude to the Governor, Rev fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia and to the good people Benue State.
In his opening speech, the Executive Governor of the state, Rev fr Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia said the gathering for this year’ s 12th Council meeting in Benue state is a testament to a collaborative spirit, which is digitally aimed at transforming Nigeria.
He said “Your discussions and decisions to making Nigeria the digital hub of Africa is excellent.”
Dr. Alia believes strongly that nations that embrace digital innovation will always remain at the forefront of progress.
Digitalization, he said, plays a critical role for economic transformation and provides opportunities for stakeholders to exchange ideas, leverage on best practices in line with strategy to harness powerful technology that are begging for attention.
The Governor went further to say the Council deliberations and outcomes are very pivotal to unlocking opportunities and growth with the support and unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In addition, he said that the administration of President Tinubu has taken bold steps to foster financial inclusion, starts- ups and to expand digital infrastructure .
He equally believed that, the transformative power of Technology can build prosperous future for Nigerians.
He extends his gratitude to the Honourable Minister, Permanent Secretary, top Management staff of the ministry and the chief executive officers of the parastatals under the ministry.
Giving vote of thanks, the Director PRS, Mrs. Comfort H. Labirwa expressed her profound gratitude and warm appreciations to the Executive Governor of Benue state, his cabinet team and the people for their hospitality.
She also thanked the Honourable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive officers, the private sector, the Civil society present and the Council members for their immense contributions making the event successful.
She, however, urged all Council members to step up efforts towards the full implementation of all items agreed upon.
Signed
Kania Maliki Andeyaba
DD (Press & PRU)
