Nigeria Harnessing Digital Economy Potential with Data Strategy – NITDA DG
TECHDIGEST- In a bid to harness the vast potential of the digital economy, Nigeria has inaugurated its Technical Working Group, TWG, on the implementation of National Data Strategy, NDS.
This is aimed at creating wealth and prosperity through the effective use of data.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Mal. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), highlighted the significance of data in the digital economy, comparing it to the “oil” that fuels growth and innovation.
The National Data Strategy represents Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing the potential of the digital economy through effective data management and utilization.
With a focus on data literacy, security, sovereignty, infrastructure, harmonization, and usability, the strategy sets the stage for Nigeria to create wealth and prosperity in the digital era.
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He emphasized the need for Nigerian citizens to be data-literate and possess the necessary skills to leverage data for economic and social purposes.
The NITDA helmsman, who noted that data is the most valuable resource in today’s digital landscape, said the TWG will determine the best approach to data localization and transfer.
His words: “The increasing digitization of the world necessitates online availability of data, as systems reliant on artificial intelligence require comprehensive information to make informed decisions”.
According to Inuwa Abdullahi, the TWG will also seek to establish a central data repository and develop a common data architecture to enable seamless data integration and utilization.
He said: “Making data open and reusable fosters increased utilization and enables the creation of more data, thereby driving further growth in the digital economy.
“The Technical Working Group responsible for the National Data Strategy is expected to provide recommendations to regulatory agencies to develop relevant regulations. The strategy aims to ensure that Nigerians can actively participate in and benefit from the data economy”.
