The Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) has called for the appointment of a competent Minister of Communications and Digital Economy in the new administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
NITRA is an umbrella body of practicing journalists in the Information and Communications Technology sector comprising editors and reporters in broadcast, print, and online media.
NITRA, which had in the past consistently engaged stakeholders towards the growth and development of the ICT industry, noted in a statement that aggregated the views of members and the position of the Association, that it will spell retrogression if a Minster, who is not in tune with growth indices in the industry is appointed to drive the most important sector of the economy.
Chike Onwuegbuchi, NITRA Chairman, said it is imperative to put a round peg in a round hole when appointing the next Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, noting that “As an Association, we implore the President to look at the antecedents of proposed individuals and bring forth someone who has played well in the ICT industry; someone who knows the challenges, gaps, and needs of the industry, and is ready tackle them head-on to achieve results.”
Onwuegbuchi noted that in the past few years, the ICT industry has experienced much growth, but still has a long way to go to be globally competitive, especially in future techs.
In his views, Pioneer Chairman of NITRA and ICT Editor at This Day Media, Mr. Emma Okonji, pointed to attributes expected of the next Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
“We need a Minister with technology discipline who is digitally savvy and ready to collaborate with industry stakeholders in driving technology development in Nigeria. Such Minister should come from among the various IT bodies and organisations that are registered in Nigeria, and not a politician.
“The Minister should be ready and willing to work with ICT Media in enhancing technology development in Nigeria.”
Okonji further noted that the Minister needs to focus more on Tech Startup development in Nigeria and provide the necessary funding, support, and mentorship for growth.
“It will help the country to produce several unicorns that will drive technology development in the country. The Minister should focus on SME growth using technology as the driving force. Again, the Minister should look into the feud between Telcos and the Banks in order to build cordial working relationship among them that will promote growth and development in the ICT sector.”
Echoing same thoughts, Group Technology Editor, LEADERSHIP Group Limited, Mr. Chima Akwaja, said the new Minister must be a technocrat who should be well versed in Telecom industry issues, and a core professional.
Akwaja noted, “He should give the agencies in the Ministry free hands to operate. He should not encroach on their functions; focus on the creation of tech hubs in the 6 geopolitical zones and encourage states to have their own hubs to train and nurture tech talents.
“Such a Minister should partner with higher institutions on new digital skills training and modules; strategically work with ICT bodies/Associations to create a level playing field and attract FDIs as well as ensure there is harmony and synergy among the Agencies and other inter-agency regulators.”
He also said the minister should work towards creating Technology Banks that would provide seed capital to tech entrepreneurs/startups in the country, and work to promote local content in technology usage.
Both Messrs. Clifford Agugoesi, Founder/Editor-in-Chief of Cyber Era and Chidiebere Nwankwo, General Secretary of NITRA and Editor at eBusiness Life Communication Limited both aligned with the positions of their colleagues, noting that the new minister must demonstrate capacity to work collaboratively with other ministers and industry bodies, especially the Press.
