The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA has expressed concern over the non-inclusion of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, OPSN in the composition of the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
NACCIMA National President, Ide John Udeagbala urged the government to have a rethink by including at least three persons from the association in the council.
Udeagbala said this is very important if efficient performance is to be achieved.
He spoke at the opening of the NACCIMA maiden digital economy conference held at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI. The conference is tagged: tagged ‘Promoting a vibrant digital economy – A catalyst for economic growth in Nigeria’.
NACCIMA President said in his welcome remark that Nigeria has youth who are blessed with intelligence despite the few who are into electronic fraud.
He also commended the Startup Act, 2022, which made provisions for the legal and institutional framework for the development and operation of the startup in Nigeria.
He added, “We are however concerned that the OPSN are left out in the composition of the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship. As KPMG has observed and pointed out, “it is doubtful if the members of the Council will have the time and bandwidth to effectively exercise oversight of the Secretariat”. If efficient performance is to be achieved, there is a need to review the composition of the National Council to include the OPSN who are the main drivers of the Nigerian economy. “Therefore, we urge the government to consider very strongly the need to urgently restructure the National Council to include at least three members of the OPSN to champion the accomplishment of this laudable goal.
“These are some of the reasons we have brought together both the government and many captains of industry in the organised private sectors (OPS) with international organizations and the diplomatic community to rob minds together and construct a defined roadmap for the development and growth of the Digital Economy in Nigeria.
“Therefore, I urge every participant physically here and those connected virtually online to contribute constructively and meaningfully your thoughts and ideas towards achieving and surpassing these goals. Your collaboration in achieving these goals and objectives cannot be overemphasised.”
Speaking on the importance of the maiden digital economy conference, Udeagbala said it was aimed at changing the ongoing narratives about the country’s youth.
He also said that if the Indians can be top players in the global tech sector, then nothing stops Nigerians from being strong players.
The conference, he therefore said was aimed at
to among other things: Promote the Technology Ecosystem in the country;
“Establish potentials of the Digital Economy for job creation and employment of our teeming unemployed youths in Nigeria.
“Identify the opportunities that exist in the tech industry in Nigeria and grow
it by attracting both local and foreign investments into the industry in Nigeria.
” Identify the challenges impeding the development of the technology industry in Nigeria.
“Encourage government to enunciate policies that will build on existing laws and promote the growth of the technology ecosystem in Nigeria. Establish Digital Hubs in the six geo-political zones to give opportunities to the rural areas, promote start-ups and encourage innovations in the industry and discover tech savvy that abound in the country.
“And where possible begin to export home grown technology experts and
innovators to the western world after the example of India and generate foreign currency to the country.”
Dignitaries at attendance include :His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCON, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – represented by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy – Sheikh Prof Isa Ali Pantami; Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo represented by Sulaiman Adebayo Audu (Director, Trade); Minister, Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Pauline Kedem Tallen, OFR
