SystemSpecs has called for collaboration within the Information Technology Communication (ICT) ecosystem to engender development in the fast-growing sector and inherently boost the economy.
One of our Executive Directors, ‘Deremi Atanda, made the above assertion at a webinar organised by the Telecommunications and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), themed, ‘Collaborations for a resilient ICT sector.
“The superstructure of the society has shifted from physical engagements to one dominated by technology in the post-COVID-19 era. Nigeria needs to harness these emerging opportunities through productive collaborations at various levels,” he added.
Reiterating that strategy, planning and actions are key drivers of collaborations that work, Atanda said awareness plays an integral part in this campaign.
He suggested that embedding sustainability in the training curriculum at various school levels, providing a handbook that captures the history of ICT in Nigeria and documentation of top 100 ICT projects created by Nigerians in Nigeria or diaspora will help keep the story alive.
Further sharing his thoughts at the webinar organised recently by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria Centre for Financial Studies (CIBNCFS), in collaboration with B. Adedipe Associates Limited (BAA), Atanda noted that the pandemic presented more of an opportunity for the ICT sector than demerits.
“Technology holds a great potential that has barely been scratched and can be harnessed through well thought-out policies and a business climate that encourages innovation. As the economy continues its slow recovery from the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is key that Nigeria implements practicable strategies for growth and profitability as the economy tends towards recovery,” he noted.
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The analysis of Nigeria’s economy for the first quarter of 2021 indicates that inflation dropped from 18.1 per cent in April to a three-month low of 17.9 per cent in May 2021. Also, the volatility of product prices, especially raw materials used for production by businesses has made planning and optimisation of supply chains slightly complex.
Globally, COVID-19 has lent a great deal to the entrenchment of ICT in various sectors more than ever. I wish we were more prepared to maximise the opportunities ICT has presented us to improve the economy,” Atanda said.
He cited the case of 60 per cent of government officials working remotely, suggesting that they could have been converted to an economic advantage if the government had stimulated production and distribution of laptops, solicited the expansion of broadband, and increased digital literacy.
Atanda also noted that cybercrimes will increase but will create opportunities for cybersecurity companies and professionals. “This ICT boom is a great opportunity for the national economy to thrive in terms of capacity building for economic advancement,” he added.