NITRA Wants Tinubu to Appoint Technocrat As Information and Technology Minister * Sets Agenda For Incoming Minister

Journalists in the Information and Communications Technology sector, under the aegis of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), comprising reporters and editors in broadcast, print and online media has called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to appointment a competent technocrat to supervise the Ministry of  Communications and Digital Economy.

In a Press Release aggregating the views of members and position of the Association, the group, which had in the past consistently engaged stakeholders towards the growth and development of the ICT industry, noted that it will spell retrogression if a Minster, who is not in tune with growth indices in the industry is appointed to drive the most important sector of the economy.

According to the Chairman of NITRA, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, it is imperative to put a round peg in a round hole when appointing the next Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. He said: “As an Association, we implore the President to look at the antecedents of proposed individuals and bring forth someone who has played well in the ICT industry. Someone who knows the challenges, gaps and needs of the industry, and is ready t tackle them head-on to achieve results.”

He noted that in the past few years the ICT industry has experienced much growth, but still has a long way to go to be globally competitive, especially in future techs.

In his views, Pioneer Chairman of NITRA and ICT Editor at This Day Media, Mr. Emma Okonji, pointed to attributes expected of the next Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. “We need a Minister with technology discipline who is digitally savvy and ready to collaborate with industry stakeholders in driving technology development in Nigeria. Such Minister should come from among the various IT bodies and organisations that are registered in Nigeria, and not a politician.

The Minister should be ready and willing to work with ICT Media in enhancing technology development in Nigeria.”

He further noted that the Minister needs to focus more on Tech Startup development in Nigeria and provide the necessary funding, support and mentorship for growth. “It will help the country to produce several unicorns that will drive technology development in the country. The Minister should focus on SME growth using technology as the driving force. Again the Minister should look into the feud between Telcos and the Banks in order to build cordial working relationship among them that will promote growth and development in the ICT sector.”