National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

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 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

National Digital
Economy Policy and
Strategy (2020-2030)
CONTENTS
National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Vision & Mission..........................................................................................6

President’s Mandate....................................................................................6

Foreword......................................................................................................7

President Buhari’s Full Speech During the Launching the National

Digital Economy Policy and Strategy............................................................9

Preface.......................................................................................................11

Digital Nigeria Day.....................................................................................14

Introduction...............................................................................................15

Pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.....................18

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Pillar #1 : Developmental Regulation........................................................22

Pillar #2 : Digital Literacy and Skills..........................................................24

Pillar #3 : Solid Infrastructure....................................................................27

Pillar #4 : Service Infrastructure................................................................29

Pillar #5 : Digital Services Development and Promotion...........................31

Pillar #6 : Soft Infrastructure.....................................................................33

Pillar #7 : Digital Society and Emerging Technologies...............................35

Pillar #8: Indigenous Content Development and Adoption.......................38

Key Institutions Needed for the Success of the Digital Economy.............40

 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

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 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

VISION AND MISSION

VISION
“To transform Nigeria into a leading digital economy providing quality life and digital
economies for all.”

MISSION
We build a nation where digital innovation and entrepreneurship are used to create
value and prosperity for all.
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

PRESIDENT’S MANDATE

The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) has been developed in
line with the Presidential directives that were given to the Honourable Minister of
Communications and Digital Economy on assumption of office. Digital technologies
are transforming every aspect of our lives and the NDEPS will enable Nigeria to take
advantage of them in order to become a leading player in the global digital economy.

Our desire to fast-track the development of our digital economy informed the decision to
rename the Ministry of Communications to the Federal Ministry of Communications and
Digital Economy. This expanded the Ministry’s schedule to include the Digital Economy
mandate and the development of our digital economy will facilitate the diversification
of the economy. We are committed to the diversification of the economy and digital
technologies will provide an important catalyst for this.

6 The pillars of the NDEPS have been carefully selected to include all the key aspects that
Nigeria needs to focus on in order to actively participate in the global digital economy.
Special consideration has also been given to our areas of strength and comparative
advantage as a country. Nigerians are highly innovative and a thriving digital economy
will create employment opportunities for our teeming population and support in lifting
millions of Nigerians out of poverty. Furthermore, a digital economy will accelerate
the attainment of our key objectives of improving security, reducing corruption and
expanding the economy.

It is to this end that I have directed the Honourable Minister of Communications and
Digital Economy to work with all relevant government agencies to ensure that we rapidly
expand our digital economy to take advantage of the immense opportunities on the
continent and across the globe.

I commend the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the

Expert Review Committee and all stakeholders who participated in the development
and review of the NDEPS. I am happy with its level of implementation so far and further
urge all Federal Public Institutions and stakeholders to ensure its full and successful
implementation.

Muhammadu Buhari
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

FOREWORD

The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy has been developed to reposition the
Nigerian Economy in order to take advantage of the many opportunities that digital
technologies provide. This is in line with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari,
GCFR, to diversify the economy of Nigeria away from dependence on the oil and gas
sector. The growth of the digital technology sector over the past few years is a good
indication that this sector can serve as a catalyst for the rapid development of the
economy.

His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, approved the redesignation of the
Federal Ministry of Communications as the Federal Ministry of Communications and
Digital Economy (FMoCDE) on the 17th of October, 2019. This has clearly positioned
Nigeria as early adopters of digital technology and it gives us a good opportunity to
become major participants in the growing global digital economy.
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The redesignation of the Ministry is in line with the priority areas that the Federal
Government asked the Ministry to focus on. Among the priorities assigned to the
Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is the Development and
Implemention of a Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for Nigeria.

This Digital Economy Policy and Strategy document in based on the FMoCDE’s 8-pillars
for the acceleration of the National Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria. The 8 pillars
are:
1. Developmental Regulation;
2. Digital Literacy & Skills;
3. Solid Infrastructure;
4. Service Infrastructure;
5. Digital Services Development & Promotion;
6. Soft Infrastructure;
7. Digital Society & Emerging Technologies; and
8. Indigenous Content Development & Adoption.

These pillars align well with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Federal
Government and also address the 3 key focus areas of Mr. President, namely economic
development, anticorruption and security.

The task of developing the National Digital Economy is a huge one and we call on all
stakeholders to make an input to the process and support in the implementation. As
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

a National document, we also encourage the States and Local Government areas to
cascade these policies and strategies so that we can be on the same page as we achieve
the vision of this document which is “To transform Nigeria into a leading global digital
economy providing quality life and digital economies for all.”

Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), FNCS, FBCS, FIIM, MCPN

Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
(November 2019)

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 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

President Buhari’s Full Speech at

#eNigeria2019
I am delighted to participate in this Opening Ceremony of the 2019 e-Nigeria Conference,
Exhibition and Awards.

Globally, the Digital Economy is expanding at a very fast pace. In just a few years, this
platform has transitioned from being a luxury to an absolute necessity. It is in recognition
of this fact that we decided to re-designate the Federal Ministry of Communications
as the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy with a mandate to
develop and implement a harmonized and well-coordinated digital economy policy and
strategy for Nigeria.

The second quarter report by the National Bureau of Statistics for 2019 showed that the
Information and Communications Technology sector contributed an impressive 13.85%
to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria. This clearly shows the importance and
potential of the ICT sector to our job creation and economic diversification agenda.

Already, Nigerian ICT startups are leaving their mark on the global stage. For example,
at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), a Nigerian Artificial Intelligence 9
solution provider, Chiniki Guards, took first place, beating 750 contestants from 73
countries. We shall continue to encourage and support such digital entrepreneurs to
develop innovative solutions for local and global challenges.

In public service, the digitisation of key activities such as the use of the Bank Verification
Number (BVN), Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel
Information System (IPPIS) has enabled us to save cost and fight corruption.

Of course, as we celebrate the successes and explore the opportunities in this sector,
we must remain mindful of its threats. We all know how the use of unregistered and
improperly registered SIM cards by terrorists is a key national security threat.

Today, I am informed that over 9.2 million SIM cards have either been normalized,
blocked or deactivated in less than 40 days due to improper registration. We encourage
all Nigerians to ensure that their phones are properly registered. As a Government, our
priority is to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians.

Ladies and Gentlemen, you will all recall that at e-Nigeria 2018 conference, we directed
that all government funded ICT projects must be reviewed and cleared by National
Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Our goal was to enhance
the efficiency and effectiveness of government procurement processes. Today, I am
informed that through this directive, government has saved over 16.8 billion Naira. I
want to encourage the Ministry and NITDA to sustain this tempo.
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Our recent introduction of the Nigerian E-government Masterplan will further consolidate
our successes to date and increase interoperability among the different Ministries,
Departments and Agencies of government.

A key requirement of the E-government Masterplan is for all government institutions

to create a Digital Transformation Technical Working Group that will work with the
Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to ensure seamless and coordinated
implementation of projects, programs and policies.

Furthermore, the Nigerian e-Government Interoperability Framework, the Enterprise

Architecture and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation are in place and all Ministries,
Departments and Agencies are expected to comply with these policies.

I have therefore directed the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
to develop training and sensitization programs that will be rolled out across all key
MDAs with immediate effect to ensure seamless implementation of the masterplan.
I wish you very fruitful and impactful deliberations as I look forward to receiving a
comprehensive report with your recommendations on how we can improve and expand
Nigeria’s digitization agenda for the betterment of our country.

Thank you very much for your attention. I hereby declare this Conference open.
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President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Unveiling the NDEPS on November 28, 2019
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

PREFACE

On the 12th of June, 2019, His Excellency, of the youngest populations on earth. In
Muhammadu Buhari, President of the terms of the nation’s geographic position,
Federal Republic of Nigeria, pledged to lift it is located just between the central and
100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the western parts of Africa and offers ready
next 10 years. access to over half of the African continent,
represented by those that reside in
In line with this goal, and that of Western and Central Africa, as well as the
diversifying the economy, various sectors approximately 200 million people living
will contribute towards achieving the in Nigeria. All these indicators describe
overall poverty reduction goals. Mr potentials that can be harnessed for the
President recognized the critical role benefit of the economy. However, there
that digital technologies can play in are a number of things to be put in place
this process and recently approved the before our latent potential can drive the
redesignation of the Federal Ministry of economy.
Communications as the Federal Ministry 11
of Communications and Digital Economy. The first issue that needs to be addressed
In the new appellation, communications is the Developmental Regulation pillar.
refers to the channel, digital refers to the It will provide support for the effective
content and economy indicates the central regulation of the digital technology sector
focus of the entire process. in a way that enables development.
Citizens are generally regarded to be the
According to a 2016 Report by Oxford greatest assets in any economy and the
Economics, the global digital economy is same applies to the digital economy. To
valued at $11.5 trillion dollars or about drive the digital economy it is important
15.5% of the Global Economy. This value to develop a large pool of digitally literate
is expected to rise significantly within and digitally skilled citizens. There is
the next few years. This Digital Economy currently no detailed data on the state
Policy and Strategy document aims to of digital literacy in Nigeria but data on
provide a plan for using digital technology technology adoption , financial inclusion
as a platform for stimulating growth in and broadband penetration in rural areas
all sectors of the economy through the suggest the level of digital literacy is
development of a digital economy for the relatively low. There is a need to support
country. a programme for mass digital literacy
and this will be addressed in the Digital
Nigeria has the largest population in Literacy & Skills pillar.
Africa, with an average age of 18 years,
the biggest economy on the continent, the The Solid Infrastructure pillar, for example
largest natural gas reserves and the one broadband penetration, is another key
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

issue to be addressed. A significant The growth of solid digital infrastructure

improvement in the current broadband is no doubt critical to the development
penetration of 35.4% is critical for the of the digital economy, however, it is
development of a digital economy in not sufficient. A digital economy also
Nigeria. According to a study by ITU, needs other conditions to be met. The
a 10% increase in mobile broadband solid infrastructure that broadband
penetration in low income countries yields access provides will lead to the growth
an increase of at least 1.6% in the Gross of the Service Infrastructure pillar and
Domestic Product (GDP). The deployment a proliferation of digital platforms that
of fibre networks around the country will enable Government to Citizen (G2C),
provide a veritable platform for expanding Citizen to Citizen (C2C) and all other
broadband access but lingering issues like e-commerce models.
inconsistent Right of Way (RoW) charges,
reported cases of vandalisation of telecom The National e-govenment Masterplan
equipment and inadequate power supply has been adopted and is currently being
have inhibited the penetration of the implemented. It will provide a one-stop-
broadband. shop for interacting with government. It
will also provide an Enterprise Architecture
There is great potential for enhanced and e-Government Interoperability
broadband penetration due to a number Framework to support platforms that
of initiatives such as the 40 Terabits per can enhance interactions between
second (Tbps) broadband (submarine government institutions on the one hand
12 fiber cable) capacity that exists at the and government and citizens on the
landing point in Lagos. However, many other. According to the United Nations
of these initiatives are grossly under- Conference on Trade and Development
utilized due to limited distribution of fibre (UNCTAD), Nigeria’s e-commerce spending
infrastructure to the underserved areas is projected to increase to $75 billion in
of the country. The deployment of fibre 2025 and the platforms created through
across the country will appreciably improve support for the service infrastructure
broadband penetration and will have the pillar will play an important role in this
added advantage of crashing the cost of projection.
broadband access. The deployments of
the 1st and 2nd phases of the National The Digital Services Development and
Information and Communication Promotion pillar aims to drive the growth
Technology Infrastructure Backbone in the number of digtal jobs and digital
(NICTIB) will aid this process. Another ray entrepreneurs in the country. With
of hope for the solid infrastructure pillar an average age of just over 18 years,
is the Infrastructure Company (Infraco) Nigeria has a potential critical mass of
project which aims to lay 120,000km ‘digital natives’ that can transform the
of fibre across the country to extend country into a regional and global digital
broadband networks to every Local powerhouse. These creative Nigerians can
Government Area (LGA) of the Federation play a key role in the creation of digital jobs
through an Open Access Model. However, across all sectors of the country; jobs that
all these options will be evaluated to are either based on ICTs or are dependent
determine their relevance. on ICTs.
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

The Soft Infrastructure will focus on the Executive Orders 003 and 005 of the
ensuring that people can feel safe administration of President Muhammadu
online and that cyberthreats are quickly Buhari, GCFR. This pillar will also provide
identified and contained. The adoption an enabling environment for indigenous
and growing popularity of the national content and the enforcement of the local
digital identity scheme will make citizens content policies.
feel safe while interfacing with the digital
economy. Data protection will also play an All these pillars align with the 3 key areas
important role in the development of the of focus of the administration of President
soft infrastructure. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, namely the
economy, anticorruption and security.
The Digital Society and Emerging The content of this document has been
Technologies pillar will ensure that the amended to reflect the observations of
gains of the digital economy are mapped the participants at the eNigeria 2019
to indices of well-being in the lives of Conference, Exhibition and Awards. A
ordinary citizens. The Indigenous Content total of 3,991 delegates attended eNigeria
Development and Adoption pillar will 2019.
provide a policy framework that gives  
preference to digitally skilled Nigerians for
government funded projects in line with

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 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Digital Nigeria Day

A day has been designated to promote the commenced a day after on the 24th of
development of the Digital Economy in October 2019, which coincides with the
Nigeria. The day will be known as “Digital “World Development Information Day”.
Nigeria Day” and it will be celebrated
on the 24th of October every year. The The Digital Nigeria Day is to be marked
24th of October has also been recognised in every State and the activities should
by the United Nations as the “World be coordinated by a State Coordinator,
Development Information Day”. preferably a Commissioner of a relevant
Ministry in the State. The Federal Ministry
The United Nations Resolution A/ of Communications and Digital Economy
RES/65/141 announced this date will collaborate with the States in the
and noted that “Information and promotion and celebration of the Digital
communications technologies have the Nigeria Day in a way that emphasizes
potential to provide new solutions to the strength of the State in the
development challenges, particularly implementation of the Digital Economy
in the context of globalization, and can Policy and Strategy.
foster economic growth, competitiveness,
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access to information and knowledge, The Digital Nigeria Day will provide an
poverty eradication and social inclusion.” opportunity to identify and promote
success stories and leading lights in the
Furthermore, and perhaps more fittingly, expansion of Nigeria’s Digital Economy. It
it coincides with the period when His will focus on all strata of society, including
Excellency, President Muhammadu young innovators, the elderly, people
Buhari, GCFR redesignated the Ministry as living with disabilities, internally displaced
the Federal Ministry of Communications persons, etc. The activities surrounding
and Digital Economy (17th October the celebration will also incorporate a
2019) and when the announcement was robust media enlightenment campaign.
adopted during the Federal Executive
Council meeting on the 23rd October
2019. Furthermore, the implementation
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

INTRODUCTION

The Digital Economy

The Digital Economy (Definition) the physical, digital, and biological spheres.
The digital economy has been defined It is fundamentally changing all aspects of
in many ways by various individuals and our lives and reshaping economic, social
institutions. The European Commission and cultural paradigms across the globe.
defines the digital economy as an economy
that “encompasses businesses that sell The significant developments in the digital
goods and services via the internet, and technology sector have increased access
digital platforms that connect spare and lowered the cost of digital devices.
capacity and demand”. Access to the Internet has improved
productivity and stimulated creativity and 15
The World Economic Forum and the Group the emergence of emerging technologies
of Twenty (G20) define the digital economy have provided a platform for developing
as “a broad range of economic activities countries like Nigeria to use digital
comprising all jobs in the digital sector as technology to drive the economy.
well as digital occupations in non-digital
sectors”. ICT has been the catch phrase for
technology for the last few decades.
In this Policy document, we refer to digital However, in recent years there has been
economy as: Any aspect of the economy a convergence of the sub-sectors of
that is based on or driven by digital ICT, including information technology,
technologies. telecommunications and broadcasting.
Furthermore, the term ICT conveys the
Motivation for the Development of a concept of the use of technology.
Digital Economy
The development of a digital economy will Digital Technologies, on the other hand,
create new technological platforms and built upon and extends the concept of
industries on one hand, while enhancing ICT to include a focus on the creation,
the efficiency and productivity of existing and not just the use of technology. These
industries on the other. technologies also encompass emerging
technologies and the potential for
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is datafication that they provide.
characterized by a fusion of technologies
and they have blurred the lines between The digital economy will be built on these
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

digital technologies. This Policy aims to successful and sustainable adaptation

provide an environment for the innovative of technology requires that countries
use of such technologies to develop the play to their strengths and mitigate the
economy of Nigeria. associated risks.

Global Context of the Digital Economy Globally, the United States, China and
The Digital Economy is expanding across India are examples of populous countries
the globe, albeit at an uneven pace across who have thriving digital economies. These
different countries. In most countries, countries have the largest populations
however, the digital economy is constantly in their regions and Nigeria also has
being developed. the largest population in Africa. This
strength can be used to an advantage in
According to a 2016 Report by Oxford the development of a sustainable digital
Economics, the global digital economy economy in Nigeria.
is valued at $11.5 trillion dollars or
approximately 16% of the Global With a Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Economy. The global digital economy is valued at $397 Billion, Nigeria has the
also projected to account for a quarter of largest economy in Africa based on this
the global economy in the next 10years. 2017 World Bank estimate. Nigeria is
Nigeria currently does not has a large slice 6th largest producer of oil and has the
of the global digital economy but effort 10th largest oil reserves in the world and
is being made to position the nation to this sector has had a defining role on the
16 play a leading role in contributing to this economy of Nigeria. However, the volatility
economy. of the oil sector can have a negative impact
on a mono-economy that is dependent
The World Economic Forum predicts that on oil. To address this, deliberate efforts
over 60% of global GDP will be digitized by are being made by the administration of
2022 and that over the next decade, digital President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to
platforms will be used to create close to change this by diversifying the economy.
70% of new value. Furthermore, according
to a Report by Ericsson titled “How The Digital Economy in the Nigerian
Important Are Mobile Broadband Networks Context
for Global Economic Development”, 10% ICT’s Contribution to Nigeria’s GDP – An
increase in mobile broadband penetration Emerging Prospect
results in approximately 0.6% to 2.8% rise ICT’s contribution has been one of the
in gross domestic product (GDP). fastest growing components of Nigeria’s
GDP and is emerging as its most important
Given the wide range of adoption of digital long-term growth prospect. In the second
technology, it has become clear that quarter of 2019, ICT contributed 13.85%
every country stands to benefit from it. to the GDP calculations, as against Oil and
Countries that have adopted and accepted Gas putting in 8.82% in comparison .
digitalization tend to have the best
rewards. It is important to note, though, With the execution of a Digital Economy
that countries need to adapt these digital strategy, the digital technology sector can
technologies to their specific context double its contribution to the economy
in order to maximize the benefits. The over the next five years
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

The name, Ministry of Communications

Nigeria’s Digital Edge Advantages and Digital Economy, gives a more holistic
Age Advantage reflection of the mandate of the Ministry;
Youth are the enablers of any digital communications addresses the channel,
revolution. Therefore, with a population digital addresses the nature of the
having an average age of just over 18 years content and economy reflects the central
and with 60% of the country represented focus of the activities of the Ministry,
by youth, it indicates that Nigeria is ready which is the development of the economy
to be the foundation of an African Digital in line with the Economic Recovery and
Economy. Growth Plan (ERGP) of President Buhari’s
administration.
Furthermore, seizing the initiative with
the youth would make Nigeria the driver The Ministry’s mission statement is We
of a continent-wide digital economy under Leverage Digital Technologies for National
the new African Continental Free Trade Economic Development. It encapsulates
Agreement (ACFTA). the rationale for its being the fulcrum for
establishing and sustaining a national
Nigeria, also possesses an infrastructural digital economy.
advantage over its neighbours, and this
should also propel the nation to a position
of digital leadership on the continent.

Establishment of a Ministry of 17
Communications and Digital Economy
There was an urgent need to have a
Ministry assigned the role of coordinating
the activities related to Nigeria’s Digital
Economy. This need led President
Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to approve
the redesignation of the Ministry of
Communications as the Ministry of
Communications and Digital Economy on
the 17th of October, 2019. The change
of name expanded the mandate of the
Ministry to include a key aspect of the
priority areas set for the Ministry by
the Federal Government, which is the
“Development and Implementation of a
Digital Economy Policy and Strategy”.
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Pillars and Objectives of the National

Digital Economy Policy and Strategy
Pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy
The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy shall be anchored on the 8 pillars of
the ‘DIGITAL NIGERIA’ Roadmap of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital
Economy (FMoCDE). These pillars are listed below:

#1 Developmental Regulation
(effective regulation of the ICT and
digital sector in a way that enables
development);
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#2 Digital Literacy and Skills
(providing policy backing for massive training of
Nigerians from all works of life in order to enable them
obtain digital literacy and other digital skills. This pillar
will also facilitate the training of Nigerians.);

#3 Solid Infrastructure
(deployment of fixed and mobile
infrastructure to deepen the broadband
penetration in the country);

#4 Service Infrastructure
(support for Government Digital Services and the
8 Pillars to provision of robust digital platforms to drive the
Accelerate digital economy);

the Development
#5 Digital Services Development and Promotion
of the Nigerian (development of a vibrant digital ecosystem that
Digital Economy supports Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDE) and Micro
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in a way that
engenders innovation);

#6 Soft Infrastructure
(strengthening public confidence in the use of
digital technologies and participation in the
digital economy);

#7 Digital Society and Emerging Technologies

(focus on tying the development of the digital economy
to indices of well-being in the lives of the ordinary citizens;
mentoring startups on emerging technologies and
deploying their solutions);
#8 Indigenous Content Development and Adoption
(provision of a policy framework that gives preference
to digitally skilled Nigerians for government funded
projects in line with the Executive Orders 003 and 005
of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari,
Fig ##: Pillars of the Roadmap GCFR).
of the Federal Ministry of
Communications and Digital
Economy
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

1. Developmental Regulation (effective digital ecosystem that supports

regulation of the ICT and digital sector Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDE) and
in a way that enables development); Micro Small and Medium Enterprises
2. Digital Literacy and Skills (providing (MSMEs) in a way that engenders
policy backing for massive training innovation);
of Nigerians from all works of life in 7.
Digital Society and Emerging
order to enable them obtain digital Technologies (focus on tying the
literacy and other digital skills. This development of the digital economy
pillar will also facilitate the training of to indices of well-being in the lives
Nigerians.); of the ordinary citizens; mentoring
3. Solid Infrastructure (deployment of startups on emerging technologies and
fixed and mobile infrastructure to deploying their solutions);
deepen the broadband penetration in 8.
Indigenous Content Development
the country); and Adoption (provision of a policy
4. Service Infrastructure (support for framework that gives preference
Government Digital Services and the to digitally skilled Nigerians for
provision of robust digital platforms to government funded projects in line
drive the digital economy); with the Executive Orders 003 and
5. Soft Infrastructure (strengthening 005 of the administration of President
public confidence in the use of digital Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR).
technologies and participation in the 19
digital economy); The Pillars will accelerate the development
6. Digital Services Development and of a digital economy in Nigeria.
Promotion (development of a vibrant

NATIONAL DIGITAL ECONOMY POLICY AND STRATEGY

For a Digital Nigeria
Digital Services Development

Digital Society and Emerging

Development and Adoption

Developmental Regulation

Digital Literacy and Skills

Service Infrastructure

Indigenous Content
Solid Infrastructure

Soft Infrastructure
and Promotion

Technologies

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Roadmap Pillars NDEPS Pillars.

 20
NATIONAL DIGITAL ECONOMY COUNCIL

DEVELOPMENTAL DIGITAL LITERACY SOLID SERVICE

REGULATION & SKILLS INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE

a. Relevant Laws a. Digital Nigeria Programme a. Nigerian National a. E-government Masterplan

b. Digital Economy b. National Committee on Digital Broadband Plan b. Government Digital Services
Development Fund Skills, Innovation and b. Data Centres c. Nigerian E-government
c. Converged Regulations Entrepreneurship c. Satellite Interoperability Framework
c. Mentorship Programme d. National Frequency (Ne-GIF)
Management d. Nigerian Government
Enterprise Architecture
(NGEA)
e. E-Commerce Platforms

DIGITAL SERVICES DIGITAL SOCIETY INDIGENOUS

National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

DEVELOPMENT & SOFT & EMERGING CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

PROMOTION INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNOLOGIES & ADOPTION

a. Digital Entrepreneurship a. Cybersecurity Awareness a. Digital Inclusion a. Promotion of Indigenous

b. Innovation Driven b. CERRT Readiness b. Financial Inclusion Content
Enterprises (IDE) c. Data and Privacy Protection c. Emerging Technology b. Support for Original Equipment
c. Fintechs Centres Manufacturers (OEMS)
c. Ensure Compliance with
Regulatory Guidelines for
Nigerian Content
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Objectives of the Digital Economy Nigerian Citizens, Business and

Policy and Strategy Government workers and enable
Some of the objectives of this Digital them to acquire cutting edge digital
Economy Policy and Strategy skills;
document are listed below: vii. To achieve a 95% Digital Literacy
i. Target 70% broadband penetration in Level in Nigeria within the next 10
4 years; years;
ii. To accelerate the digitalization of viii. To develop digital education
government processes and improve curriculum to meet the current and
service delivery, transparency and future needs of the Digital Economy;
accountability; ix. To ensure that indigenous technology
iii. To improve trust, confidence and companies are able to participate
security around digital processes and actively in the government funded
activities; technology programmes; and
iv. To attract and grow digital jobs across x. To ensure that the policy and
all sectors of the economy; regulatory instruments are fit-for-
v. To develop the technology start-up purpose and actually support the
ecosystem by actively promoting digital business environment.
innovation and entrepreneurship;
vi. To support the digital literacy of
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 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Pillar #1: Developmental Regulation

Situation Analysis Some of the existing regulatory

Regulation is a key tool for achieving the instruments for the development of a
social, economic and environmental policy Digital Economy include:
objectives of government. In order to 1. Guidelines for Nigerian Content
develop a vibrant digital economy, there is Development in Information and
a need to ensure that the proper regulatory Communication Technology (ICT)
instruments are in place. 2. Universal Access and Universal
Service Regulations
22 Regulation is usually perceived as a negative 3. Cybercrime Act 2015
word, one that stifles development and 4. Type Approval Regulations
innovation. The approach of the Federal 5. Nigeria e-Government Interoperability
Ministry of Communications and Digital Framework (Ne-GIF)
Economy is one that promotes, rather than 6. Nigeria Cloud Computing Policy
stifles development. A preference will be 7. Framework and Guidelines for
given to the Developmental Regulatory Information and Communication
approach, where development will serve Technology (ICT) Adoption in Tertiary
as the main motivation for regulation. Institutions
8. Nigeria ICT Innovation and
Many of the existing regulatory Entrepreneurship Vision (NIIEV)
instruments in the digital economy space 9. Framework and Guidelines for Public
have been developed in silos. As part Internet Access (PIA) 2019
of the activities of the developmental 10. Framework and Guidelines for the
regulatory pillar, a preference will be given Use of Social Media Platforms in
for converged regulation, where relevant Public Institutions
regulatory bodies can co-author regulatory 11. Guidelines for Clearance of
instruments. This will make it easier for Information Technology (IT) Project
investors and stakeholders to support the by Public Institutions
development of the sector. 12. Nigeria Data Protection Regulation
2019
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

13. Standards for Data Interoperability digital economy;

14. Telecommunications Networks iii. Review and harmonize all frameworks
Interconnection Regulations laws, standards, guidelines,
15. Consumer Code of Practice frameworks and government
Regulations circulars in order to create a dynamic
environment for the development of
Policy Objectives a digital economy;
The objectives of the Developmental iv. Enact new requisite laws (digital
Regulation Pillar include the following: economy promotion acts and
i. To create a dynamic regulatory data protection acts), regulations,
environment that fosters, rather than standards and guidelines necessary
hinders, the development of a digital to address identified gaps;
economy; v. Create a framework of appropriate
ii. To review existing legislation and funding to catalyze innovation at
facilitate, where necessary, the all levels for the creation of a digital
enactment of laws that would economy;
enhance the development of digital vi. Review multiple taxation by creating
technology sector for national growth; a framework for bundling payment of
iii. To facilitate the enactment of taxes, especially those aspects that
appropriate legislation that ensures can affect the digital economy; and
protection of digital technology vii. Creation of a National Digital 23
infrastructure and enhances national Economy Council (NDEC) with
security; and membership drawn from public and
iv. To support the issuance of converged private stakeholders. 
regulations, as well as address
the issue of multiple taxation in
order to create a healthy business
environment for the development of
the Nigerian Digital Economy.

Implementation Strategies
Some of the implementation strategies
for Developmental Regulation Pillar are
listed below.
The Government will:
i. Identify constricting regulations
stiffing digital economy development
and growth;
ii. Identify gaps in the existing
legislations that need to be bridged
(or harmonised) to enable a vibrant
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Pillar #2: Digital Literacy and Skills

Situation Analysis According to Doug Belshaw’s famous

A digital economy can only be as vibrant as 8-element Digital Literacy Model (shown
the level of digital literacy of its citizens. below), a digitally literate person should
Today, literacy no longer means just an have following skill-sets:
ability to read and write. A literate person 1. [Cg]: Cognitive --> “How to Do”;
in the fourth industrial revolution must be 2. [Cu]: Cultural --> “How to Behave”;
someone that is digitally literate. According 3. [Cn]: Constructive --> “How to
to Common Sense Media, Digital Literacy Use”; and
includes the ability to use technology 4. [Co]: Communicative --> “How to
competently, interpret and understand Communicate”.
digital content and assess its credibility,
24
create, research and communicate with They should also have the following
appropriate tools. As the importance of mindsets:
digital technology to society grows, so 1. [Cf]: Confident --> “How to
does the importance of digital literacy as a Belong”;
tool for lifelong learning. 2. [Cr]: Creative --> “How to Make”;
3. [Ct]: Critical --> “ How to Evaluate”;
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Fig 3: Digital Literacy Elements

25
and (iii) Creativity;
4. [Ci]: Civic --> “How to Participate”. (iv) Tech Design;
(v) Critical Thinking;
This pillar will provide policy backing (vi) Complex Problem Solving;
for massive training of Nigerians from (vii) Leadership and Social Influence;
all works of life in order to enable them (viii) Design Thinking;
obtain digital literacy skills. The training (ix) Emotional Intelligence;
programmes will be expected to culminate (x) Reasoning; and
in globally recognized certifications. (xi) System Analysis.
In addition to the foundational digital
literacy skills, the pillar will support the A Digital Skills Database will also be
massive training on Nigerians in emerging created to identify the digitally literate
technologies. The target is to provide Nigerians and their levels of competence.
an enabling environment for the public This would make it easy to match skills to
sector, private sector, civil society and jobs.
development partners to support the
training of 5 million Nigerians. The Imperative of Capacity Building
His Excellency, President Muhammadu
The Digital Nigeria programme will also Buhari, GCFR, reiterated the imperative
help Nigerians to imbibe the following on capacity buiding in the implementation
skills: of a digital economy. He stated this when
(i) Analytical thinking and innovation; he gave the following directive during the
(ii) Active learning; official unveiling of the Digital Economy
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Policy and Strategy on the 28th of iv. Develop a digital literacy and skills
November, 2019: development framework that will
“I have therefore directed the Federal lead to trainees acquiring globally
Ministry of Communications and Digital recognized certifications
Economy to develop training and v. Ensure that digital literacy becomes
sensitization programs that will be rolled a basic requirement for public sector
out across all key MDAs with immediate employees
effect to ensure seamless implementation vi. Leverage the existing network
of the masterplan.” of schools, training institutes,
Computer Based Testing (CBT)
Policy Objectives centres, community resource centres,
The objectives of the Digital Literacy & amongst others, to facilitate digital
Skills Pillar include the following: skills training programmes across the
country
i. To integrate digital literacy and
vii. Facilitate the training and retooling of
skills into the national education
teachers and facilitators at all levels,
curriculum at all levels;
to enable them serve as trainers in the
ii. To support training and capacity
digital literacy and skills programme
building among public sector
viii. Ensure that the digital skills training
employees in the development and programme incorporates children,
use of digital tools and applications to women, internally displaced persons
improve the delivery of government and the physically challenged
services; ix. Promote the development and
26 iii. To create a pool of Nigerians with distribution of instructional materials
digital skills validated by globally in electronic format
recognized certifications; x. Partner with the private sector to
iv. To bridge the gap between the make it easier for Nigerians from all
academia and industry; and walks of life to acquire digital tools
v. To lower the access barrier to digital xi. Support the ‘catch-them-young’
tools for the citizens; programmes to create an enabling
environment for Nigerians to become
Implementation Strategies conversant with digital skills from a
Some of the implementation strategies young age
for Digital Literacy & Skills Pillar are listed xii. Encourage the states and local
below. governments to support the goal of
The Government will: 95% digital literacy levels over the
i. Partner with relevant institutions next 10 years
to promote globally competitive xiii. Support relevant mentorship models
trainings that focus on digital for experience sharing, skills and
technologies confidence building
ii. Integrate digital literacy and skills xiv. Support the creation of rural coding
development into the curriculum of academies (RCAs) to meet the
schools at all tiers of education training needs of rural dwellers
iii. Provide support for digital literacy xv. Increase the synergy between all
and skills development for Nigerians institutions that have a mandate
across the country and in various related to education in the digital
sectors of the economy literacy and skills programme
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Pillar #3: Solid Infrastructure

Situation Analysis mobile devices

This pillar will address the deployment of
fixed and mobile infrastructure to deepen It is estimated that to achieve full
the broadband penetration in the country. broadband penetration, 120,000km of
The solid infrastructure pillar is pivotal fibre need to be installed, given Nigeria’s
because without broadband access across land mass. The Infrastructure Company
the country it will be difficult to have an (InfraCo) Project is a public private
inclusive and vibrant digital economy. partnership (PPP) model, based on
providing counterpart funding to ensure
Terrestrial and satellite networks will be that at least 10 Gbps Point of Access
harnessed to significantly increase the (PoA) fiber optic capacity is accessible in
level of broadband penetration above all the 774 local government areas (LGAs)
its current level of about 35%. Nigerians in Nigeria. The project has the potential
currently have access to 2G, 3G and 4G of delivering about a quarter of the fibre 27
networks, while trial deployments for the required for full broadband penetration.
5G networks are in progress. 2G networks
have been deployed across the country The ‘Right-of-Way’ (RoW) is a major issue
but the current reach of the 3G and 4G that has impeded the deployment of fibre
networks is still at a low level with a spread across the country. Many States have not
of 26.03% and 9.07% respectively. This adhered to the agreement by the National
pillar will aim to boost these levels. Economic Council that the RoW charges be
pegged at N145/linear meter. The State
There have been some initiatives over the Governors are currently being engaged to
years that have been aimed at developing reverse this trend.
the infrastructure for a digital economy.
One of such initiatives is the focus on Therefore, to complement broadband use
deploying broadband across the country, via the mobile networks, and fibre services,
especially with the deployment of a especially in rural locations, satellite
national fiber optic-based network. The services via the Nigerian Communications
aim is to distribute approximately 10 Satellite (NigComSat) shall be utilised.
terabytes of capacity already delivered to Novel connectivity options such as
landing points in Nigeria. As such, there connectivity via White Space, will be
is an urgent need to accelerate the pace explored.
of ongoing efforts, and also to introduce
new initiatives to address these and other The 2013 and 2017 access gap report
challenges. Nigeria has achieved 61.4% showed that 36.8million and 33.2million
Internet penetration, mainly through people lack access, respectively. The
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

2019 access gap report is being prepared for broadband backbone and access
and there is a plan to provide access to an network deployment
additional 984,000 people in the next one v. Facilitate broadband development
year. and deployment, leveraging on
existing universal service frameworks;
Policy Objectives vi. Deepen broadband penetration
The objectives of the Solid Infrastructure through the launch and use of
Pillar include the following: satellite systems
i. To accelerate the penetration of vii. Promote the development and
affordable and quality broadband deployment of robust and scalable
Internet in the country; data centre infrastructure
ii. To foster broadband usage for viii. Promote efforts to close access gap,
national development; through the use of satellite system,
iii. To ensure the rapid development Whitespace and other novel and
of a broadband policy support and innovative systems
implementation framework; ix. Provide special incentives to
iv. To harmonize physical infrastructure encourage the increase of investment
planning and deployment to include in broadband rollout
planning for telecoms services; and x. Enhance the capabilities of the
v. To support the proliferation of Data Nigerian population to make use of,
centres across the country. and contribute to broadband, and in
so doing increase its relevance to the
28 Implementation Strategies socio economic development of the
Some of the implementation strategies country and its populace;
for Solid Infrastructure Pillar are listed xi. Establish methodolgy for assessing
below. progress of broadband development
in a structured way
The Government will: xii. Ensure that in all parties adhere to
i. Develop a new Brroadband Plan the prevailing Right of Way (RoW)
ii. Deepen Broadband penetration from agreement; andred way;
35% to 75% in 4 Years xiii. Create legislation to classify core
iii. Support the deloyment of optic digital infrastructure as Critical
fibre cable using the infrastructure National Infrastructure.
compan (InfraCo) Project nder the xiv. Boost capacity and activities of the
Open Access Model Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria
iv. Promote both supply, and demand (IXPN)
side policies that create incentives
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Pillar #4: Service Infrastructure

Situation Analysis the Nigerian government.

The service infrastructure pillar will
address the provision of robust digital They include the Integrated Payroll
platforms to drive the digital economy. and Personnel Information (IPPIS),
These platforms enable transactions and Government Integrated Financial
interactions online. They also have the Management Information System
added advantage of enabling a supply of (GIFMIS) and REMITA platforms. The first
data from which both government and the two are focused on government activities
private sector can gain useful insights with while the REMITA platform is used by the
which to develop the digital economy. government and the public. 29

This pillar supports the provision of a one- It is necessary to create some Digital
stop online platform for government to Only Government to Citizens (G2C) and
interact with citizens and investors. It Citizen to Government (C2G) use cases to
supports the deployment of government popularize the use of digital platforms in
digital services and a paperless system. the interactions between government and
The rollout of the solid infrastructure is citizens. The www.services.gov.ng portal
pivotal but without digital platforms to provides a one-stop portal for accessing
access services, the goal of developing a government services. As part of efforts
digital economy will remain elusive. to develop the service infrastructure, this
portal should be enhanced and promoted.
Digital platforms can be defined as
“multisided marketplaces with business Policy Objectives
models that enable producers and users The objectives of the Service Infrastructure
to create value together by interacting Pillar include the following:
with each other” <! Carlo Rossotto et. al. i. Implementation of the approved
(2018), “Digital platforms: A literature e-government Masterplan, including
review and policy implications for the e-Government Interoperability
development”, CRNI, pages 1-17.> These Framework (NeGIF) and Enterprise
platforms allow users to carry out day to Architecture;
day business transactions with the help of ii. Promotion and adoption of digital
digital technologies. There are a number of platforms
platforms that are currently being used by iii. Use of digital platforms for the
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

extraction and warehousing of (FPIs)

anonymized big data for public good. v. Enhance the Nigerian Open Data
iv. Promote the creation and use of programme across the Federal and
digital platforms in private and non- State Governments
governmental sector vi. Create/review enabling laws and
regulations to enforce eGovernment
Implementation Strategies masterplan
Some of the implementation strategies vii. Support the training of relevant
for Service Infrastructure Pillar are listed government officials to use data to
below. make better
decisions
The Government will: viii. Provide funding to network all FPIs
i. Support the process for the and digitize some of their key services
establishment of a Presidential ix. Increase sensitization on the
Committee on e-Government provisions of the NDPR
ii. Ensure the promotion and adoption x. Promote the development of creative
of a Nigeria e-Government e-commerce platforms
Interoperability Framework xi. Enhance and promote the www.
iii. Ensure the promotion and adoption services.gov.ng one-stop online
of the Nigeria Government Enterprise platform and GOVNET for accessing
Architecture (NGEA) across Federal government services
Public Institutions (FPIs) xii. Support the development special
30 iv. Create Digital Transformation intervention platforms for
Technical Working Groups (DT-TWG) microbusinesses
across all Federal Public Institutions
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Pillar #5:
Digital Services Development and
Promotion
Situation Analysis However, like most technology driven
This pillar will focus on the development of deployments, it is important to take
a vibrant digital ecosystem that supports cognizance of the local peculiarities when
Innovative Driven Enterprises (IDEs) and pursuing global ideals. With such a large
Micro Small and Medium Enterprises population of SMEs, it is worthwhile to
(MSMEs) in a way that engenders adopt an approach that takes into account
innovation. the vast numbers of SMEs in Nigeria and
the strong desire to encourage them to
According to a March 2019 Report by embrace innovation. This approach will
the Small and Medium Enterprises combine SMEs and IDEs to give a local 31
Development Agency of Nigeria variant for the Nigerian sector called:
(SMEDAN), Micro Small and Medium SMILE= SME + IDE. ‘SMILE’ is a coined
Enterprises (MSMEs) constitute 96% of acronym for ‘Small Medium Innovation
all the business activities in the country. Leaning Enterprises’.
The Report also noted that 90% of all the
businesses in the country fall under the This pillar will lead to SMILEs by taking the
micro category. As such, it is necessary toextensive MSME structure into account
interface with MSMEs in order to develop and integrating innovation in order to
the economy and use digital technology to create a number of digital-driven SMEs as
drive economic activity in the country. a bridge to creating a pool of IDEs as the
nation develops her digital economy. Top-
The concept of Innovation Driven notch entrepreneurs will also be chosen
Enterprises (IDEs) has been promoted and funded to scale their impact.
by leading institutions such as the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Opportunities for job creation are a key
(MIT) and these enterprises, no doubt, outcome for the implementation of the
have great advantages. In contrasting IDEs strategies of this pillar. We want to have
and MSMEs we find that IDEs tend to have enabling environment for the creation
a global outlook while SMEs tend to start of jobs, not only in the public sector but
small and choose to remain local. IDEs mainly in the private sector.
also generally require more capital than
SMEs and tend to integrate innovation The Nigerians in diaspora can be a key asset
more into their activities more than SMEs. in driving the Digital Economy, especially
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

as it relates to this pillar. Nigerians in the operations;

diaspora should be engaged with a view iii. Create an incentivized mentorship
to creating a support network for the programme that connects to MSMEs
IDEs and digitally-enabled MSMEs in the to indigenous and foreign technology
country. driven mentors;
iv. Incorporate IDEs and digitally-
Policy Objectives enabled MSMEs into government
The objectives of the Digital Services funded projects and projects of large
Development and Promotion Pillar include corporations;
the following: v. Facilitate funding for the Innovation
i. Support for the creation of innovation and Start-Up Ecosystem;
driven enterprises and digitally- vi. Conduct a technology adoption survey
enabled MSMEs; of MSMEs with a view to lowering the
ii. Facilitation of mentorship and barrier to adopting technology;
funding programmes to support vii. Based on the technology adoption
innovation driven enterprises and survey in the first year, double
digitally-enabled MSMEs; and the number of digitally-enabled
iii. Enabling innovation driven businesses annually;
enterprises and digitally-enabled viii. Create an enabling environment for
MSMEs to participate in the Nigerians in the diaspora to support
government procurement process, the IDEs and digitally-enabled
through the introduction of a MSMEs;
32 bimodal procurement system to ix. Foster collaboration between the
accommodate them. stakeholders of the innovation and
iv. Facilitate the launch of Digital entrepreneurial ecosystem;
Innovation and Scale-up Centres x. As key stakeholders, States
(DISC), IT and innovation hubs are expected to support digital
around the country to target digital entrepreneurs with co-working
innovations and the scale-up of spaces, incentives and enabling policy
digital startups. environments for success;
xi. The Federal and State Ministries of
Implementation Strategies Education should update the curricula
Some of the implementation strategies of schools at all levels to include
for Digital Services Development and training on emerging technologies;
Promotion Pillar are listed below. and
The Government will: xii. Create an enabling environment for
i. Identify, promote and celebrate building the capacity of IDEs and
Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDEs); MSMEs, mainly through e-learning
ii. Support for MSMEs to integrate channels.
digital technologies into their
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Pillar #6:
Soft Infrastructure
Situation Analysis can provide channels for identifying
The soft infrastructure pillar focusses on citizens in order to facilitate credible
strengthening public confidence in the use transactions.
of digital technologies and participation
in the digital economy. The pillar will There are currently ongoing conversations
address the importance of cybersecurity around the harmonization of biometrics
and other standards, frameworks and and IDs. About 30 government
guidelines that encourage citizens to go institutions that have access to citizen
digital. Data privacy and the deployment data are members of the Harmonization
of technologies like the public key Committee. The general idea involves the
infrastructure are addressed in this pillar. mapping of the disparate databases to the
NIN database. For example, from about
Many Nigerians do not have confidence 15million financial sector records, around
33
in online services, especially when they 6million new candidates were identified
relate to financial transactions because for NINs. The Committee is embracing
of the perception that they are unsafe an ecosystem approach to the integration
online. They also tend to believe that that involves partnership with the private
their privacy is compromised online. sector. The NIN database currently has
The National Information Technology 38.3 million entries.
Development Agency (NITDA) and other
relevant government institutions are Cybersecurity
changing this narrative. The Nigeria Data Cybersecurity speaks about the protection
Protection Regulation (NDPR) is one of of digital assets similar to how physical
the instruments that addresses this issue. security addresses the protection of
This is a good starting point but there is a physical assets. The viability and
need to further strengthen the regulatory sustainability of any economy requires
instruments that govern data protection that security is guaranteed. A robust
and privacy. cybersecurity plan protects digital assets
and allows citizens to have confidence in
The need for digital identity lies at the the digital economy.
root of citizenship and service delivery in A proper cybersecurity approach needs to
a digital economy. With identity being take the different aspects of cyberspace
digitized and tied to biometrics, initiatives into account. Cybersecurity is not a local
like the National Identity Number (NIN), issue and it requires collaboration with
Biometric Verification Number (BVN), relevant institutions around the globe.
Voter IDs and SIM-card registration details One of such collaborative approaches
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

involves the signing of treaties and one frameworks, standards, procedures

key treaty is the Budapest Convention. and guidelines.
iii. Establish compliance framework to
The Budapest Convention, also known ensure the adherence to standards,
as the Convention on Cybercrime of the procedures and guidelines.
Council of Europe, is an international iv. Register and certify Cybersecurity
instrument that serves as a guideline Service Providers (CSP) who will
for countries that wish to develop a ensure that standard procedures and
comprehensive national legislation guidelines are complied with across
against Cybercrime. It also provides a sectors.
framework for international cooperation v. Establish a framework for
between countries that are party to the sustainable capacity development
treaty. Nigeria is yet to sign this treaty but to boost knowledgeable and skilled
efforts are underway to get the country cybersecurity workforce across digital
to sign the treaty, considering its great economy institutions.
benefits. vi. Support the enhanced coordination
of sectoral Computer Emergency
It is also important for Nigeria to adopt Readiness and Response Team
the African Union Convention on Data (CERRT) across sectors.
Protection and Cybersecurity, also known vii. Support Cybersecurity Centres of
as the Malabo Convention. Excellence (CoE) focused on Research
and Development, Innovation and
34 Policy Objectives Entrepreneurship.
The objectives of the Soft Infrastructure viii. Support the ratification and signing
Pillar include the following: of global treaties that can sustain
i. Review and strengthen cybersecurity and enhance digital economy.
instruments to ensure that Nigerians ix. Identify and assign responsibilities
are secure online; and roles to specific government
ii. Strengthening of the regulatory institutions for data and privacy
instruments and institutional protection, intellectual property
framework that governs data right enforcement, cybercrime
protection and privacy; and enforcement, research and
iii. Support for the accelerated development, innovation and
implementation of a Digital Identity entrepreneurship in order to foster
Programme. the coordinated growth of digital
economy.
Implementation Strategies x. Identify the barriers militating
Some of the implementation strategies for against the full implementation of
Soft Infrastructure Pillar are listed below. digital identity scheme and data
The Government will: harmonization in order to accelerate
i. Identify gaps in existing regulatory full scale digital identification.
frameworks, cybersecurity xi. Design and develop specific
frameworks, standard operational cybersecurity training to enhance
procedures and guidelines. the capacity and capability of law
ii. Review and harmonize all enforcement agents to tackle
existing regulations, cybersecurity cybercrime.
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Pillar #7:
Digital Society and Emerging Technologies

Situation Analysis others:

This pillar will focus on tying the i. Coding with relevant tools;
development of the digital economy to ii. Internet of Things (IoTs);
indices of well-being in the lives of the iii. Big data analytics;
ordinary citizens. Digital and financial iv. Artificial intelligence (AI);
inclusion are some of the issues that this v. Machine Learning;
pillar seeks to address. vi. Mobile app development;
vii. 3D Printing;
The Digital Society and Emerging viii. Virtual Reality and Augmented
Technology pillar will map the development Reality (VR/AR); 35
of the digital economy to the attainment ix. Cyber security;
of 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals x. Wireless Power;
(SDGs) that are most relevant to the digital xi. Quantum Computing;
economy, namely: xii. Cloud Computing; and
1. Poverty Eradication; xiii. Blockchain.
2. Good Health and Well-being;
3. Quality Education; Digital Innovation and
4. Decent Work and Economic Growth; Entrepreneurship
5. Industry, Innovation, and Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Infrastructure; form the bedrock of the Digital Economy.
6. Reducing Inequality; and The ecosystem that they create stimulates
7. Sustainable Cities and Communities. the creation of innovative new ventures
that drive the digital economy. According
Emerging technologies can enable the to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor,
nation to attain these goals. As such, an Nigeria is rated the country with the best
emerging technology programme will be entrepreneurial activity in Africa as shown
introduced in the country. Options will in the figure below.
also be explored on the use of emerging
technologies for addressing national
challenges.

The Emerging Technology programme

will address the following areas, amongst
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

36

Fig 4: Top 10 African Countries Based on Entrepreneurial Activity

Policy Objectives Implementation Strategies

The objectives of the Digital Society and Some of the implementation strategies for
Emerging Technology Pillar include the Digital Society and Emerging Technology
following: Pillar are listed below.
i. Enable a progressively increase the
contribution of digital technologies to the The Government will:
economy; i. Support the emergence of new
ii. Promote research in emerging services and industries that are
technologies with a view to getting digital enabled by emerging technologies
technology to improve the livelihood of ii. Facilitate services and workforce
Nigerians; transformation in the public service
iii. Active focus on Skills-rather-than- using emerging technologies,
Degrees; and starting with some pilot Ministries,
iv. Accelerate digital inclusion in the Departments and Agencies;
country by taking advantage of the spread iii. Foster digital inclusion for People
of existing infrastructure across the Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) and
country. other digitally excluded people;
iv. Supports the emergence of e-services
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

in leading sectors of the economy; skills;

v. Prioritize financial inclusion with xi. Promote sector specific emerging
a view to reducing the current technology centres through relevant
percentage of unbanked adults by FPIs such as NITDA and NCC;
50% within the next 4 years; xii. Convert campuses of the Digital
vi. Collaborate with the private sector, Bridge Institute around the country to
academia and development partners emerging technology, digital literacy
to create Centres of Excellence in and digital skills centres;
Emerging Technologies; xiii. Enlist the support of Nigerian ICT
vii. Include topics on emerging Professionals in the diaspora;
technologies across the broad xiv. Establish viable Digital Technology
spectrum of formal and vocational institutions to promote the
education in the country; deployment of digital services across
viii.
Encourage tertiary institutions the key sectors of the country.
to introduce/enhance courses on
emerging technologies through the
relevant regulatory institutions;
ix. Support Awards of Excellence in
Emerging Technologies to celebrate
new innovations and innovators;
x. Create an enabling environment
for National Youth Corps members
to acquire digital entrepreneurship 37
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Pillar #8:
Indigenous Content Development and
Adoption
Situation Analysis Promotion and Adoption Pillar
This pillar will provide a policy framework include the following:
that gives preference to digitally skilled i To develop indigenous businesses to
Nigerians for government funded projects become world class service providers;
in line with the Executive Orders 003 and ii To increase public sector patronage
005 of the administration of President of indigenous digital technology
Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. It will identify businesses; and
jobs that are currently being outsourced iii To create conditions for iterative
and support the repatriation of these jobs problem solving by indigenous digital
38 to digitally skilled Nigerians. technology and Innovation service
providers.
Promoting and adopting indigenous
content will enable Nigeria to benefit from Implementation Strategies
the increasingly global digital technology Some of the implementation strategies
market. It will also help to conserve for Indigenous Content Promotion and
foreign exchange for the country and Adoption are listed below.
boost exports. The activities in this pillar
will ensure that “Made in Nigeria” digital The Government will:
economy products are of globally accepted i. Increase the patronage of digital
quality. startups, enabling them to access a
minimum percentage of government
The pillar will also seek to make Nigeria a funded jobs;
global outsourcing destination for digital ii. Support the creation of an impact
jobs. The implementation of strategies sourcing business process outsourcing
within this pillar will also actively pursue (BPO) model, where digital jobs
the Impact sourcing business process are deliberately outsourced to
outsourcing (BPO) model, where digital economically disadvantaged areas
jobs are deliberately outsourced to in order to improve their economic
economically disadvantaged areas in order conditions;
to improve their economic conditions. iii. Conduct a study on the types of
digital jobs that are currently being
Policy Objectives outsourced in the telecom, banking,
The objectives of the Indigenous Content oil and other sectors with a view to
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

developing a strategy and a policy ix. Facilitate partnerships with

environment that supports their multinationals operating in Nigeria
repatriation; to create platforms for Indigenous
iv. Ensure compliance with Regulatory Vendors to serve global markets ; and
Guidelines for Nigerian Content; x. Ensure strategic partnerships with
v. Highlight and promote indigenous relevant regulatory agencies to create
capacities in digital technologies; joint efforts to promote indigenous
vi. Support the development of funding content.
mechanisms and engagement
of funding stakeholders to drive
investments for the expansion
of indigenous digital technology
businesses;
vii. Provide technical support for Original
Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs);
viii. Properly scrutinize and monitor every
government funded ICT project with
a view to ensuring compliance with
local content guidelines;

39
 National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

Key Institutions Needed for the Success of

the Digital Economy
All individuals and institutions that have Social Development
a role to play in the implementation of the 17. Federal Ministry of Youth
Policy and Strategy. For example: 18. Federal Ministry of Labour and
1. Federal Ministry of Communications Productivity
and Digital Economy 19. Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
2. Nigerian Communications Commision 20. The National Assembly (Leadership
3. National Information Technology and Applicable Committees)
Development Agency 21. Nigerian Governors Forum
4. Galaxy Backbone Plc 22. Diaspora Commission
5. Nigerian Communications Satellite 23. National Office for Technology
Ltd Acquisition and Promotion
40
6. Nigerian Postal Service 24. Bureau for Public Procurement
7. Universal Service Provision Fund 25. Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit
8. Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget 26. Nigeria Computer Society
and Planning 27. Computer Professionals (Registration
9. Federal Ministry of Education Council of Nigeria)
10. The 36 States of the Federation and 28. Association of Telecommunications
the Federal Capital Territory Companies of Nigeria
11. Central Bank of Nigeria 29. Association of Licensed Telecom
12. Ministry of Petroleum Operators of Nigeria
13. Federal Ministry of Science and 30.
National Identity Management
Technology Commission
14. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and 31. Media Houses
Rural Development 32. 774 Local Government Areas of the
15. Federal Ministries of Defence, Interior Federation
and Police Affairs
16. Federal Ministry of Humanitarian
Affairs, Disaster Management and
National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

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