Nigeria through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, yesterday took another step in strengthening its digital economy agenda with the groundbreaking ceremony of the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (NDIEC) in Abuja.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, while performing the groundbreaking, said the centre is another giant leap towards the development of Nigeria’s digital economy and diversification of its economy.
He disclosed that the centre will be based on the ‘live, work and learn’ concept, adding that the activities of the centre align with 6 out of the 8 pillars of National Digital Economy Policy for a Digital Nigeria.
According to him, these pillars include Digital Skills, Service Infrastructure, Digital Services Development and Promotion, Soft Infrastructure, Digital Society and Emerging Technologies and Indigenous Content Development and Adoption.
“We are also developing National Policy on Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which this Centre and many other centres all over the country will implement,” he stated further.
The Minister explained that the National Digital Economy Policy appreciates the importance of identifying and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and it also focuses on encouraging many of these SMEs to go a step further by aiming to become Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDEs).
Speaking further, Dr. Pantami noted that National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre will enable Nigerians to acquire cutting-edge technological skills, participate in the development of hardware, software and emerging technologies, create an innovative ecosystem and create a unique platform for technical skills (programming), soft skills (social interaction), entrepreneurship (starting and operating a business) to focus on the promotion and development of ICT, including smart energy solutions to drive ICT.
Other benefits, include nurturing new ideas and develop an inquisitive perspective to support in the creation of employers of labour, supporting in the promotion and development of ICTs, including aspects of advanced applied research and allowing startups to accelerate and experience innovations at scale, through customized visits, design thinking sessions and co-innovation workshops to create a highly collaborative and immersive environment.
Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari had in November last year approved the building of National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre during the Federal Executive Council meeting.