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The European Union (EU) under its Gateway Initiative has disclosed plans to invest about Eight Hundred and Twenty Million Euros in the Nigerian Digital Economy sector over the next three years. This disclosure was made today Monday, 14th February 2022 by the Executive Vice President of the Union Her Excellency, Margrethe Vestager during a working visit to the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) at the Digital Economy Complex in Abuja.
Mrs Vestager while extolling the exemplary leadership style of the Minister, noted that this, and the need for stronger partnerships has brought global attention to the country’s Digital Economy sector. She enumerated the Union’s intervention in the sector to include; Digital Infrastructure Investments, Digitalisation of Public Services, Digital Entreprenuership, Digital Skills and Digital Governance.
“Nigeria has immense potential for digitalization and with a combination of One Hundred and Sixty Million Euros in grants and Six Hundred and Sixty Million Euros in loans, the European Union aims to comprehensively support Nigeria’s digitalization strategy” she emphasized.
In his reponse, Professor Pantami while expressing his delight and appreciation for the intervention reiterated the Federal Government’s willingness to partner with the European Union.
“Africa has always looked up to Europe in the area of technological advancements and this partnership is a welcome development that will project the digitalization aspirations of our country. Professor Pantami was particular about digital entrepreneurship and the immense impact it will bring to bear on the nation’s economy. “This partnership with regards to digital entrepreneurship, will address the challenge of unemployment and unemployability alongside the Nigeria Startup Bill which also aims to address a myriad of issues within the ecosystem.” The Minister further informed the delegation that Nigeria hopes to achieve the paperless office by the year 2030 and it is on track, taking into cognizance the rate at which public institutions are embracing the digital economy drive.
The Europen Union intervention is in alignment with the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), a digital roadmap initiated and championed by Professor Pantami towards the economic digitalization drive of President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR).
Uwa Suleiman (Mrs)
Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister
14th February 2022
President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB). This followed a request made by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami). The NDPB has been established in line with global best practice and will focus on data protection and privacy for the country, among others.
The successful implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria has significantly increased the adoption of data platforms and accelerated the datafication of our society. This has increased the importance of having an institution that focuses on data protection and privacy.
Furthermore, the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) in January 2019, as a subsidiary legislation to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act 2007, has increased awareness about the need for data protection and privacy. The Bureau will be responsible for consolidating the gains of the NDPR and supporting the process for the development of a primary legislation for data protection and privacy.
President Buhari also approves the recommendation of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Pantami, for Dr. Vincent Olatunji to serve as the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau. Dr. Olatunji hails from Ekiti State and, at the time of his appointment, was the Director of the eGovernment Development and Regulations Department at NITDA. The appointment takes effect immediately.
Mrs Uwa Suleiman
Spokesperson to the
Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy
4th February, 2022







