The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to take steps to improve Nigeria’s digital economy.
One of their key recommendations is for states to waive Right of Way (RoW) fees, which are charges placed on telecom companies for installing infrastructure like fiber optic cables.
The request was made during a report presentation on Monday by participants of the Senior Executive Course 46 at NIPSS, Kuru.
The report, titled “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities,” highlighted ways to expand the country’s digital sector and create jobs.
Apart from removing RoW fees, NIPSS also suggested:
- Fast-tracking the Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2024.
- Issuing an Executive Order to move all government agencies to the OneGov.ng platform.
- Using the Quintuple-Helix Model to strengthen digital growth and job creation.
- Ensuring long-term funding for the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program.
- Speeding up Nigeria’s transition from IPv4 to IPv6.
- Setting up Digital Health Innovation Hubs across the country.
- Creating a preventive maintenance app for Nigeria’s auto industry.
President Tinubu welcomed the recommendations and directed the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy to work with NIPSS to review and implement them. He also stressed the government’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through digital skills and technology.
“Our focus is on youth empowerment. We cannot afford to slow down, and we need everyone’s cooperation,” Tinubu stated.
With the federal government’s commitment to developing the digital economy, these recommendations could lead to improved telecom infrastructure, job creation, and better access to technology in Nigeria.
