Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy replaced Communications Ministry
Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
To further expand the mandate to capture the goals of digitalization of the Nigerian economy in line with the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP) which is one of the key agenda of the present administration, the Federal Ministry which supervises the ICT Sector has been renamed The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
In a statement signed by Deputy Director, Press & Public Relations at the Ministry, The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, has granted the prayers of the Honourable Minister of Communications Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, to properly position and empower the Ministry to fulfill his Digital Economy objectives.
According to Dr Pantami, the former name was not only limiting in pursuing the objectives of a digital economy, but obsolete as it did not reflect the trends as emphasized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
He noted that ICT contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at 13.85% in the second quarter of 2019. The change of nomenclature will propel the Ministry to reposition its strategic objectives as laid out in the priority areas of this administration while accelerating growth and social inclusion.
Global and African economies like Scotland, Thailand, Tunisia, Benin Republic and Burkina Faso among others have also adopted deliberate strategies and created Ministries of Digital Economy in line with global best practice, and especially the European Union which has a commissioner for Digital Economy.
The approved name was announced and adopted by the Federal Executive Council today, 23rd October 2019.
PRESS STATEMENT
PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI RENAMES COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY
TO FEDERAL MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL ECONOMY@DrIsaPantami #FMoCtoday#FMoC19#FMoCStatement pic.twitter.com/g37Noaem64
— Fed Ministry of Communications & Digital Economy (@FMoCDENigeria) October 23, 2019
The Ministry is now expected to do more under the new Honourable Minister.
