Ministry Develops 17 National Policies To Deepen Digital Economy

Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami said that the ministry has developed 17 national policies to deepen the nation’s digital economy.

Pantami announced the development at a breakfast session with start-up digital innovation stakeholders on Tuesday in Lagos.

Prof Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy speaking at a Breakfast Interactive Session with Nigeria’s Digital Innovation Ecosystem on Tuesday in Lagos

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the draft policies, preparatory to submission to the National Assembly.

“We are prepared to swing into action to lobby and do everything possible to have the National Assembly pass the bills on the policies into law,” Pantami said.

He added that the development of national policies “is part of deliberate steps to consolidate the country’s digital economy.”

The minister reiterated that the policies were deliberately designed for Nigerians, not just the government, and that is why they are called “National Policies,” not Nigerian policies.

He also assured of the willingness of the Federal Government to provide the enabling environment for start-up techs to operate successful businesses in the country.

“I am a result-oriented personality and I will assure that any policy developed by the ministry is fully implemented.

“Relevant regulatory agencies like NITDA, NCC, NIPOST among others are to also strengthen government assurance on the readiness to bring objectives of the policies to fruition,” Pantami said.

The minister urged the digital innovation start-up techs to imbibe the spirit of honesty in their business dealings and discussions.

He also assured them of the government’s readiness to encourage start-up techs with tax holidays and fiscal incentives.