NITDA DG, Nigerian researchers make presentations at UN

Five Nigerian researchers made a significant impact at the 17th International Conference on the Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2024) in Pretoria, South Africa.

The event, organised by the United Nations University and UNESCO, attracted more than 336 participants from 49 countries, underscoring the global importance of digital governance.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, was represented by Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Kashifu emphasised that the researchers’ participation aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to leverage technology for economic diversification and enhanced governance.

The DG highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s representation at the conference, noting that out of 157 submitted papers, only 85 were accepted, reflecting the competitive nature of the event.

Kashifu stated that the insights gained from the research could catalyse technological innovations crucial for economic diversification and governance improvement, furthering President Tinubu’s vision.

The Director-General reiterated NITDA’s commitment to continuously support research initiatives, ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of advancements in digital governance.

The research that was showcased spans various aspects of digital transformation collectively aiming to enhance e-governance and stimulate economic growth through technological innovation.

Hassana Asuku’s presentation, “Bridging the Broadband Gap,” addresses the digital divide in rural areas by proposing a comprehensive strategy to improve broadband access. Her multidimensional approach seeks to enhance economic inclusion and civic engagement, aligning with the government’s push for digital growth.

Adeyinka Patrick Adewumi’s research on “Digital Competency in the Public Sector” highlights the challenges posed by low digital skills among civil servants. He proposes a model for targeted training and infrastructure upgrades to accelerate digital transformation.

Dr Agbali Mohammed’s work on “Scalable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)” tackles institutional barriers to deploying effective DPI in Nigeria, aiming to enhance public-private partnerships and improve regulatory frameworks.

Dr Tanimu Mukhtar Garba’s research on “Tax Compliance for SMEs” introduces the Taxpoynt platform, designed to simplify tax processes for small businesses. This advancement is crucial considering the significant role of SMEs in Nigeria’s economy.

Dr. Salihu Dasuki Ibrahim’s work on “Citizens’ Freedoms in E-Governance” explores how DPI can enhance citizen liberties, addressing obstacles such as inadequate ICT infrastructure and data privacy concerns.

The contributions of these researchers not only position Nigeria as a leading voice in the global conversation on digital governance but also reflect the nation’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable economic growth and improved governance.

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