Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami will today (Tuesday, May 16, 2023) at 1.30 pm, launch the National Blockchain Policy and inaugurate the National Blockchain Implementation and Steering Committee.
Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations at NITDA said in a statement on Sunday that as Nigeria moves into a more technology-driven world, Blockchain has emerged as a transformative force that offers unique benefits to various sectors.
She disclosed that the National Blockchain Policy for Nigeria has identified talent development, innovation, and adoption as the key areas to harness the potential of Blockchain Technology in Nigeria.
“The Policy aims to grow domestic talent in Blockchain solutions development, foster innovation, and catalyse the adoption and use of Blockchain Technology,” she said.
Hadiza stated that the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has been at the forefront of driving and facilitating the spread and use of blockchain technology, through its various activities including capacity development, and awareness carried out during the Blockchain Day at the Digital Nigeria Day celebration, in October 2022.
According to her, the Agency trained over 30,000 young Nigerians in the field of Blockchain for the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce in the industry, noting that this will equip the Nigerian youths with the ability to utilise Blockchain Technology in developing innovative solutions for National challenges.
She said that it was in keeping with this trajectory that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the National Blockchain Policy for Nigeria on 3rd May 2023 to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the potential of Blockchain technology while ensuring responsible use and avoiding its perils.
The implementation of the National Blockchain Policy for Nigeria is envisioned to provide the following benefits among others to the Country:
- Improve Transparency and Accountability in different sectors of the Digital Economy
- Increase Efficiency in various adoption areas
- Enhance Security in transactions
- Increase Financial Inclusion in Nigeria
- Create significant job opportunities across different sectors of the Digital Economy.