Session
Theater
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: Theatrical seating positions the audience directly facing a central stage, where our panelists will deliver opening remarks and also answer questions from both the physical and online moderators on the already chosen theme. This creates a direct line of sight and fosters a sense of connection with the audience. The allocated time for Question and Answer will be focused on the audience by transitioning to an open forum. Moderated Q&A empowers the large crowd (both physical and online) to actively participate by posing questions and sharing their perspectives. This format ensures efficient use of the time frame and the space while maximising audience interaction on the critical topic.
This session will explore the crucial role of progressive digital policy and governance in driving economic growth and development in Nigeria. It will explore the opportunities and challenges of creating an enabling digital environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth. The session will bring together experts from the government, the private sector, the tech community, civil society and the national legislatures to discuss how progressive digital policy and governance can be and have leveraged in Nigeria to: Promote digital transformation and economic diversification Enhance digital infrastructure and access to digital services Support digital entrepreneurship and innovation Ensure digital inclusion and address the digital divide Content Focus: Progressive digital policy and its impact on economic growth Digital governance and its role in promoting economic development Digital infrastructure and access to digital services Digital entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation Approach: Panel discussion with experts from the government, private sector, civil society, tech community and national legislatures Case studies and success stories of progressive digital policy and governance in Nigeria showcasing how far we have gone in Nigeria. Interactive discussion with the audience to gather feedback and suggestions as feedback into national policies and directions. Issues, Challenges and Opportunities: How to create an enabling digital environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship How to address the challenges of the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of digital technology are inclusive and equitable How to balance the need for digital governance with the need for digital freedom and privacy How to ensure that digital policy and governance are responsive to the needs of all stakeholders, including marginalized communities.
1) How will you facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees? To facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees, we will: Use a hybrid event platform that allows for seamless interaction between onsite and online participants Provide a live stream of the onsite session to online attendees, with real-time Q&A and chat functionality Use a moderator to facilitate questions and discussions between onsite and online speakers and attendees Encourage online attendees to participate in polls, surveys, and other interactive activities Provide a social media hashtag for attendees to share their thoughts and insights 2) How will you design the session to ensure the best possible experience for online and onsite participants? To design the session for the best possible experience for online and onsite participants, we will: Use a clear and concise format, with short (timed) presentations and interactive discussions Provide a detailed agenda and speaker biographies in advance through our event flyers Use high-quality audio and video equipment to ensure clear sound and visuals as provided by the host in the theatre Provide opportunities for networking and breakout sessions for both onsite and online attendees Use a post-event survey to gather feedback and improve future events Ensure that the online platform is user-friendly and accessible on various devices as listed below Provide technical support for online attendees Use a backup plan in case of technical issues Encourage online attendees to participate in pre-event activities, such as social media discussions and pre-recorded video content 3) Please note any complementary online tools/platforms you plan to use to increase participation and interaction during the session: We plan to use Facebook Live; and YouTube Live and we will engage all participants using Twitter, Linkedin, and Instagram together with the ISOC Live platform to reach a wider audience.
Nigerian Communications Commission
FMCIDE - Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy NITDA - National Information Technology Development Agency NCC - Nigerian Communications Commission NDPC- Nigeria Data Protection Commission ISOC Nigeria Chapter Nigeria Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) NASS, National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, NiRA - Nigeria Internet Registration Association
Hon. Min. FMCI&DE/His Representative - Lead Paper Presenter National Legislative Rep: Director General, NITDA: Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi NIGF Chairperson/NITDA Rep: Dr. D. S. Wariowei -organiser Nigeria IGF MAG - Mrs Mary Uduma - Organiser Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Rep: Engr. Babagana Digima - Speaker NDPC Rep - Dr. Vincent Olatunji - Speaker Academia: Benjamin Akinmoyeje -Speaker Civil Society (Internet Society, Nigeria Chapter President): onsite moderator/ Organiser NIRA Rep: Adesola Akinsanya NiRA Rapporteur: Mrs. Uchechi Kalu (onsite) NCC Rep Rapporteurs: Niteabai Dominic and Khadijah Sani NCC Rep/Session Organiser: Dr. Ibiso Kingsley-George
Engr. Kunle Olorundare
Nigeria IGF MAG - Mr. Bernard Ewah
NIRA Rep - Rapporteur: Mrs. Uchechi Kalu (onsite) NCC Rep - Rapporteur: Niteabai Dominic and Khadijah Sani NIGF Rep - Rapporteur: Martha Unekwu Negedu
1. No Poverty
1.1
1.2
1.3
2. Zero Hunger
2.1
2.2
2.3
3. Good Health and Well-Being
3.1
3.2
3.3
4. Quality Education
4.1
4.2
4.3
5. Gender Equality
5.1
5.2
5.3
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
7.1
7.2
7.3
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
8.1
8.2
8.3
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
9.1
9.2
9.3
10. Reduced Inequalities
10.1
10.2
10.3
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
11.1
11.2
11.3
13. Climate Action
13.1
13.2
13.3
17. Partnerships for the Goals
17.1
17.2
17.3
Targets: The topic "Driving Economic Growth through Progressive Digital Policy and Governance", is premised on the place of digital transformation in driving economic growth. However, digital transformation is only possible with the proper digital policy and governance frameworks, that help to drive investment and adoption, leading to higher outputs and ultimately economic growth, which has a positive effect on the listed SDGs.
Report
Three key takeaways: 1. Progressive digital policy drives economic growth and diversification through innovation and entrepreneurship. 2. Addressing the digital divide requires improved digital infrastructure, access, and inclusive entrepreneurship. 3. Balancing digital governance, freedom, and privacy ensures equitable benefits for all stakeholders. These takeaways highlight the importance of digital policy and governance in Nigeria's
1. Government and private sector: Collaborate on developing inclusive digital policies and regulations, as well as invest in digital infrastructure. 2. Stakeholders: Support digital entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development initiatives. 3. Citizens: Engage in digital literacy programs, participate in online discussions, and demand inclusive digital services.
NIGERIA OPEN FORUM AT THE UNITED NATIONS IGF 2024.
Wednesday, 18th December, 2024.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA.
Organized by:
- National Information Technology Development Agency.
- Nigeria Internet Governance Forum MAG (NIGF MAG).
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
- Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA).
- Internet Society Nigeria Chapter (ISOC NG).
Speakers.
- Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide - Chairman House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity.
- Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo – Lead Paper Presenter, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
- Bar. Emmanuel Edet- National Information Technology Development Agency.
- Engr. Babagana Digima- Nigerian Communication Commission.
- Dr. Vincent Olatunji – National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
- Engr. Kunle Olorundare - President, Internet Society, Nigeria Chapter (ISOC NG).
- Mrs. Mary Uduma – Chair, Africa Internet Governance Forum.
Moderators.
- Sen. Shuaibu Afolabi - Chairman Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity - Chair of Session.
Onsite Facilitators
- Dr. Wariowei D.S. – Chairperson, Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) MAG
2. Dr. Ibiso Kingsley-George – Nigerian Communications Commission.
Rapporteurs:
- Uchechi Kalu.
- Nitabai Prosper Dominic.
- Martha Negedu.
- Khadija Sani Muhammed.
Digital Policy as a Catalyst for Economic Growth in Nigeria.
Overview.
The meeting focused on assessing the progress and prospects of Nigeria's digital economy, emphasizing the critical need for consistent and coherent policy formulation and implementation. Discussions brought together government officials, legislators, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations to address the opportunities and challenges in Nigeria's rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Key Highlights.
- Nigeria's Digital Growth and Demographics
- Nigeria boasts over 75% internet penetration, equating to approximately 150 million citizens online.
- With 65% of the population under 35, Nigeria has significant potential to transform its economy through a robust digital ecosystem.
- Success stories such as Flutterwave and Paystack illustrate the growing impact of digital innovation.
- Policy Frameworks
- Key policies discussed include the National Digital Economy Policy (2021) and the Ministerial Strategic Blueprint (2023), which focus on enabling world-class infrastructure, talent development, and digital innovation.
- The development of an AI strategy, co-created by Nigerian experts, underscores the importance of global collaboration.
- Challenges in Policy Implementation
- Issues such as inconsistency, overlapping mandates among regulatory agencies, and funding constraints were highlighted.
- The roles and responsibilities of bodies like NITDA were discussed, with a call for more defined mandates to improve co-regulation and policy coherence.
- Participants emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement, drawing lessons from neighbouring countries like Benin and Ghana, which have successfully harmonized data protection policies.
- Collaboration and Capacity Building
- Effective policy implementation requires stronger collaboration among regulators, policymakers, and bureaucrats.
- Building capacity among legislators and enhancing public awareness about existing digital policies were identified as priorities.
- Civil society's role in bridging gaps between the public and policymakers was acknowledged, with calls for increased engagement.
- Cybersecurity and Digital Safety
- As Nigeria's digital landscape expands, the need for progressive legislation to protect citizens, especially children, was stressed.
- Robust data protection policies were deemed essential to ensure a safe and trustworthy digital environment.
- Youth Engagement and Economic Growth
- Leveraging Nigeria's large, tech-savvy youth population was identified as a key driver for digital economic transformation.
- Participants advocated for Nigeria-specific solutions tailored to address local challenges while learning from international best practices.
The conversation highlighted the pivotal role of data policy in driving Nigeria's economic growth. Government officials, legislators, and industry stakeholders emphasized the necessity for consistent and coherent policies in the digital space. Key challenges identified during the discussion included policy inconsistencies, overlapping mandates between agencies, and funding constraints.
Participants stressed the need for better awareness and implementation of existing policies, alongside the importance of capacity building for legislators and other stakeholders. The role of civil society organizations in the policy-making process was also underscored, with calls for increased engagement and better access to policymakers.
Youth involvement in the digital economy was recognized as vital, with an emphasis on creating Nigeria-specific solutions to address local challenges. As the digital landscape continues to grow, cybersecurity and data protection were highlighted as critical areas needing attention.
The discussion concluded with a call for more regular meetings and greater collaboration between stakeholders. The proposal for quarterly meetings and the establishment of a WhatsApp group for ongoing communication was widely supported. Participants agreed on the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s large population and talent pool to drive digital economic growth, while also learning from best practices in other countries.
Action Items.
- Develop a framework to ensure policy consistency and continuity across administrations.
- Strengthen collaboration between policymakers, regulators, and bureaucrats to improve policy implementation.
- Leverage peer learning and multi-stakeholder engagement to promote policy effectiveness.
- Clarify regulatory roles and responsibilities to mitigate challenges in policy execution.
- Multi-stakeholder approach will be in line with the generally accepted Netmundial+10 Sao Paulo Multi-stakeholder Guidelines for meaningful participation of all concerned stakeholders.
Major Discussion Points.
- The need for policy coherence and consistency across government agencies in the digital/tech sector.
- Challenges with implementing policies and regulations, including funding constraints and overlapping mandates.
- The importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and engagement, including with legislators, civil society, and youth.
- Building capacity and awareness around digital policies, both within government and for the general public.
- Leveraging Nigeria’s large youth population and tech talent for digital economic growth.
Conclusion.
The meeting underscored the importance of a unified and collaborative approach to policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria’s digital economy. Regular interactions among stakeholders, capacity-building initiatives, and a commitment to addressing policy inconsistencies were identified as critical steps toward harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Participants agreed on the establishment of quarterly meetings and a communication platform, such as a WhatsApp group, to maintain dialogue and monitor progress. By leveraging its population and talent pool, Nigeria can achieve sustained digital economic growth while ensuring inclusivity and protection for its citizens.