Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is strategic in driving productivity and efficiency in all sectors of the Nigerian economy, says the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Babatunde Ruwase.
Mr. Ruwase made the remark at the ongoing 2-day ICT and Telecommunications exhibition (ICTEL Expo 2018), in Eko Hotel, Lagos, stressing that there is no better time to harness the benefits of ICT than now when the Nigerian economy is in dire need of diversification and sustainable recovery.
The LCCI President told the gathering comprising of captains of industries, government functionaries and investors, that, ICT is strategic in driving productivity today as virtually all sectors leverage ICT for optimal performance.
“This is evident in the financial services sector, where electronic banking is now the vogue; the agricultural sector, where government allocates farm inputs through mobile phones to farmers; the consumer goods sector where online stores and e-commerce has brought an incredible transformation to retail business; the medical sciences where ICT applications are now being widely used for efficiency and many more
“The fact is that ICT has become the backbone of businesses,” he said, adding that, although Nigeria has witnessed a phenomenal growth in ICT sector over the past two decades, “But there are still enormous potentials yet untapped”.
Thus, the Expo, the President explained, is one of the major platforms that offer opportunities to unlock these potentials.
“As a foremost private sector body in Nigeria (since 1888, the Lagos Chamber is providing, through this Expo, a credible to advance the opportunities and linkages in the world of ICT”.
He expressed Lagos Chamber’s commitment to the building of economic and commercial ties across all subscribers and players in the ICT sector.
“We plan to continuously broaden the horizons and scope of the EXPO over the coming years. We see great opportunities coming from closer interactions and business integration among ICT players and their customers”, he told guests and exhibitors at the event.
In a keynote speech, the Minister of Communications, Dr. Adebayo Shittu reflected on theme, adding that the EXPO heralds a new dawn in the country’s collective gravitation towards developing efficiency and competitiveness in the digital age.
He said the Ministry remains committed to supporting Digital Economy in its laudable endeavour and vision to bridge the gap between Nigeria and the rest of the world in ICT.
The Minister who was represented by the Director of ICT at the Ministry, Monisola Udoh (Mrs), sad that the Ministry will support the establishment of Companies or organisations in the area of hardware and software by ensuring that they are protected through regulations or other means.
“We will assist them to grow. We have accepted that Nigeria must take the leadership role in Africa’s ICT ecosystem. Therefore, we are amendable to PPP relationships to drive the Ministry’s project; 2018 and beyond must be a year of action”, the Minister said.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) congratulated LCCI for its consistency in the organisation of the EXPO.
According to him, ICTEL provides an opportunity for investors and the government to assess the performances of ICT in different sectors of the economy and make amends where necessary for improved productivity.
ICTEL EXPO, now in its fourth edition, gives 360 degree view of the ICT and telecoms industry and gives top visibility to sweeping trending innovations as well as providing networking opportunity for business decision makers, innovation managers, enterprises, solution providers, startups, ICT academics, among others.