By Omoruyi Edoigiawerie, Esq

Last week President Bola Tinubu sent a second list to the senate containing names of ministers to serve in his cabinet. That list includes persons who are tipped to serve this administration in the Ministry of Digital Economy.

As we await the assignment of portfolio by the President, it is imperative to help set an agenda for the incoming minister of Digital Economy who is expected to drive the technological and digital trajectory of our Country from where it is, to where it ought to be.

Nigeria, with its burgeoning economy and rapidly expanding tech sector, has recognised the significance of digital innovation in shaping its future.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the Minister of Digital Economy’s role is unimpeachably vital in shaping a nation’s economic future. And with technology permeating every aspect of our lives, the minister must embody the government’s commitment to harness the potential of the digital age to the fullest for our collective benefit.

This week, I have decided to explore some crucial tasks and objectives that the minister must prioritize to drive digital transformation and accelerate economic growth in our dear country Nigeria.

1.           Bridging the Digital Divide

The first order of business for the new minister should be addressing the digital divide. Despite advancements, significant portions of the population still lack access to digital services, hindering social and economic inclusivity. The minister must formulate policies and initiatives to bridge this gap, such as expanding broadband infrastructure, supporting affordable internet access, and promoting digital literacy programs.

2.           Fostering Innovation and Startups

To remain globally competitive, the Ministry of Digital Economy and the MDAs under it must encourage innovation and support the growth of startups. A conducive environment with favourable regulations, tax incentives, and access to funding will nurture a thriving start-up ecosystem. By partnering with the private sector and academia, the government can facilitate research and development, leading to breakthroughs in various technology sectors.

3.            The Start-up Act – A Need for Speedy Implementation.

Of pivotal importance is the need to ensure timely and holistic implementation of the Nigeria Start-up Act. The Act which has been applauded as a game changer and enabler of start-ups has suffered some setbacks in its implementation which may be due to the change in government and bureaucratic bottlenecks, the minister and his team must get to work from day one to ensure that the Act is implemented, and its impact felt across the ecosystem. In doing this, let me suggest that the minister escapes the trap of reinventing the wheel, rather he should work very closely with key players both in and outside government who were instrumental to the enactment of the Act and who can assist to ensure a seamless implementation without watering down the impact.

It bears repetition to restate that, start-ups play a crucial role in driving innovation, generating employment opportunities, and boosting economic growth. It is there important to create an enabling environment for digital entrepreneurs by simplifying business registration processes, providing access to funding and venture capital, and offering support through incubation centres and accelerators. Thereby nurturing a vibrant start-up ecosystem and this in a nutshell is the intention of the Start-up Act.

State adoption must also be encouraged and supported; the reasoning is simple, only when the States have their start-up laws would the benefits of the Act be fully felt and harnessed.

4.           Digital Skills and Education

A skilled workforce is essential for maximising the benefits of the digital economy. The new minister should emphasize the integration of digital skills into the education system, from primary to higher education.

Additionally, reskilling and upskilling programs for the existing government workforce are equally important especially as they play the pivotal role of regulating and providing statutory oversight over technological advancement and innovation. This will ensure that the nation remains adaptable to rapidly changing job demands.

5.           Data Protection and Privacy

With the exponential growth of data-driven technologies, safeguarding individuals’ data and privacy becomes paramount. The minister must provide the necessary support for the robust execution of data protection laws and implementation of policies targeted at ensuring that we are not only in tandem with global best practices but also striking a healthy balance between innovation and privacy while fostering public trust and confidence in digital services.

6.           Cybersecurity and Resilience

As the digital economy expands, so does the threat of cyber-attacks and digital breaches. The minister should ensure that the ministry prioritizes the development and regular update of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, working with public and private stakeholders to enhance the nation’s resilience against cyber threats. This will safeguard critical infrastructure, businesses, and citizens from potential cyber-attacks.

7.           Empowering the Gig Economy

The gig economy has seen significant growth in Nigeria, providing flexible work opportunities for millions of individuals, especially the youth. The new minister should push the ministry to work towards creating a regulatory framework that protects the rights and benefits of gig workers while encouraging more innovation in this sector. I have always maintained the point of view that embracing the gig economy can foster entrepreneurship and creativity and ultimately boost economic productivity.

8.           Leverage Block chain Technology

Block chain technology has come to stay and change the manner we conduct our daily business, it has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including finance, supply chain, healthcare, and governance. The minister must therefore pay close attention to the implementation of the National Block chain Policy as well as promote its application to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in public services. Additionally, encouraging research and development in block chain applications can open up new avenues for economic growth and attract block chain-related investments and the Minister must pay close attention to this.

9.           Supporting Local Tech Manufacturing and Innovation

To reduce dependency on foreign technology imports and boost economic self-sufficiency, the new minister should improve and increase support for the growth of local tech manufacturing and innovation. Providing incentives to local manufacturers, start-ups, and research institutions to stimulate domestic production and propel Nigeria into a knowledge-based economy that is self-reliant and sufficient.

10.         Promote Intentional International Collaboration

Since digitalisation knows no borders, international collaboration is essential. The new minister should therefore engage in global discussions, fostering partnerships with other nations, and aligning policies on digital trade, data governance, and cybersecurity. It is however important to ensure that Nigeria’s collaborations with international organizations and tech giants do not keep us at the lower end of the ladder but rather help to position Nigeria as a regional leader in the global digital landscape.

*Conclusion

As Nigeria embraces digitalisation, the role of the Minister of Digital Economy is critical in charting the nation’s path to economic prosperity and it is therefore important to set an agenda for the incoming Minister of Digital Economy by steering the minister’s attention to the need to harness the full potential of the digital landscape in the country. The work ahead is a daunting one but the ultimate objective is not far-fetched – unlocking opportunities and transforming Nigeria into a digital powerhouse on the global stage and nothing less.

Omoruyi Edoigiawerie is the Founder and Lead Partner at Edoigiawerie & Company LP, a full-service law firm offering bespoke legal services with a focus on startups, established businesses, and upscale private clients in Nigeria.  The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. His firm can be reached by email at hello@uyilaw.com