Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Economy and Youth Empowerment
President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy as a means to empower young people and create sustainable jobs.
Speaking on Monday while receiving a report titled “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities,” Tinubu emphasized that youth development remains central to his government’s agenda.
“Our focus is on empowering young people. We cannot afford to slow down on that, and we need collaboration from all stakeholders,” the President stated while addressing participants of the Senior Executive Course 46 from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, who presented their findings in Abuja.
He acknowledged the importance of equipping young Nigerians with digital skills and innovation, highlighting that their contributions are key to national progress.
“I have carefully listened to your recommendations and appreciate the in-depth work you have done. As a vital policy Think Tank, you have identified areas of overlap within government agencies, and we will assess that closely,” Tinubu said.
“You are an asset to our country. I commend your dedication and look forward to continued collaboration to drive Nigeria’s prosperity.”
Push for a Digital Economy Bill
According to Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the NIPSS participants put forward an eight-point recommendation, urging the Federal Government to fast-track the passage of the Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2024.
Among their suggestions was a call for state governments to waive right-of-way fees for deploying telecommunications infrastructure.
The report also proposed that the President issue an executive order requiring all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to migrate to the one.go.ng portal for a streamlined digital governance system.
Key Recommendations
The participants introduced a Quintuple-Helix Model to drive digital transformation, youth empowerment, and job creation. Other recommendations included:
- Securing long-term funding for the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program.
- Fast-tracking Nigeria’s transition from Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) to version 6 (IPv6).
- Establishing digital health innovation hubs nationwide.
- Developing a preventive maintenance application for Nigeria’s automotive sector.
Tinubu’s renewed focus on the digital economy signals a push for greater innovation, job creation, and economic growth, with young Nigerians playing a leading role in shaping the country’s technological future.
