Nigeria’s Minister of Communications Technology Omobola Johnson has said that Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry can increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 3% if it achieves its target of a five-fold increase in broadband penetration by 2017.
With ICT contribution to the nation’s GDP currently pegged at 8%, this could be increased to 11% if the targets are met, she said.
According to the Minister, Nigeria’s ICT sector contributes just over 8% to the country’s GDP.
The National Broadband Strategy and Roadmap which was approved and released last year is expected to help revolutionize communications in Nigeria and optimize the nation’s adoption of global best practices in the use of Information and communications technology.
Omobola said the ICT industry is currently working with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to deepen broadband penetration, especially in rural communities by rolling-out critical infrastructure in the sector.
She however urged state governors to work together with telecommunications operators so that the industry can achieve its goals, adding that the ability of the federal government to roll-out broadband infrastructure fast enough lies in the hands of state governments.
