Five Nigerian researchers made a significant impact at the 17th International Conference on the Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2024) held in Pretoria, South Africa. Organized by the United Nations University and UNESCO, the event attracted over 336 participants from 49 countries, highlighting the global importance of digital governance.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, was represented by Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). During the conference, Kashifu emphasized that the researchers’ participation aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to leverage technology for economic diversification and enhanced governance.
Kashifu highlighted Nigeria’s representation at the conference, noting that out of 157 submitted papers, only 85 were accepted, underscoring the competitive nature of the event. He stated that the insights gained from the research could catalyze technological innovations crucial for economic diversification and governance improvement, furthering President Tinubu’s vision.
NITDA is committed to continuously supporting research initiatives to ensure Nigeria remains at the forefront of advancements in digital governance. The showcased research spans various aspects of digital transformation, collectively aiming to enhance e-governance and stimulate economic growth through technological innovation.
Key Contributions from Nigerian Researchers:
- Hassana Asuku presented “Bridging the Broadband Gap,” which addresses the digital divide in rural areas by proposing a comprehensive strategy to improve broadband access. Her multidimensional approach aims to enhance economic inclusion and civic engagement, aligning with the government’s push for digital growth.
- Adeyinka Patrick Adewumi focused on “Digital Competency in the Public Sector,” highlighting the challenges posed by low digital skills among civil servants. He proposed a model for targeted training and infrastructure upgrades to accelerate digital transformation.
- Dr. Agbali Mohammed presented his work on “Scalable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI),” tackling institutional barriers to deploying effective DPI in Nigeria. His research aims to enhance public-private partnerships and improve regulatory frameworks.
- Dr. Tanimu Mukhtar Garba introduced the Taxpoynt platform in his research on “Tax Compliance for SMEs,” designed to simplify tax processes for small businesses. This advancement is vital, given the significant role of SMEs in Nigeria’s economy.
- Dr. Salihu Dasuki Ibrahim explored “Citizens’ Freedoms in E-Governance,” investigating how DPI can enhance citizen liberties while addressing challenges like inadequate ICT infrastructure and data privacy concerns.
The contributions of these researchers not only position Nigeria as a leading voice in the global conversation on digital governance but also reflect the nation’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable economic growth and improved governance.