AI: Forum wants full implementation of national digital policy

The federal government has been urged to ensure the full implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) which serves as a blueprint for positioning Nigeria as a leading digital economy in the world.

This is contained in the communique of a two-day Nigeria Govtech conference and awards 2024, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), with the theme ‘Digital Innovations as a Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda’.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the conference had said the federal government is commitment to advancing digital approach to governance as part of effort to modernise its operations, create more transparent and efficient systems of the public service as the engine room for government policies.

The communique, however, said the federal government should continue to invest in the digital transformation of public institutions, support the development of a robust IT infrastructures, promote policies and encourage innovation and the use of emerging technologies in governance as a matter of priority.

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“The government should ensure the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) implementation, which serves as a blueprint for positioning Nigeria as a leading digital economy across the world,” the communique, signed by the Director General of BPSR, Dr Dasuki Arabi, said.

The forum also emphasised the need to leverage on the opportunities presented by emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI), Blockchain Technology and other IT infrastructures to harness the drive for greater innovation and efficiency in service delivery.

“Ensure the execution of the Nigeria e-Government master plan which provides a roadmap for the adoption of digital tools and platforms to enhance government service delivery. The concern to maximise existing technologies rather than pushing for more, was expressed.

“Regulation sometimes constrains innovation. However, the need to strengthen enforcement was emphasised. The BPSR should champion the campaign against unethical practices in the public service to ensure decorum.

“It was advised that the production of IT devices locally should be encouraged by all stakeholders. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDTC) should ensure that customers’ data privacy be secured in collaborate with Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, NITDA among others,” the communique said.