The Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Engr. Y. Z. Ya’u, recently addressed the press regarding Nigeria’s standing in the 2023 Global Network Readiness Index (NRI), stressing the need for authorities’ concern to as a matter of urgency revamp the Technology sector of the country.
The press briefing held in Kano on Friday 22nd December 2023, examined Nigeria’s performance and outlined crucial steps for improvement.
The Network Readiness Index (NRI), compiled by the Portland Institute, evaluates nations across four interconnected pillars: technology, people, governance, and impact. This index, built on 70 sub-pillars, remains a premier benchmark for assessing global ICT readiness.
According to Ya’u, in the previous year’s ranking, Nigeria occupied the 109th spot among 131 countries, with a composite score of 36.67. This year, Nigeria’s position slightly improved to 106 out of 134, though with a reduced composite score of 35.73.
“However, the country’s overall performance remains unsatisfactory, trailing behind notable African counterparts like Kenya (70), South Africa (74), and Mauritius (76)”
“Equally several other countries such as Ghana, Tunisia, Tanzania, Senegal, Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire outperformed Nigeria” Y.Z worried.
He went on to elucidate that Nigeria’s performance highlights areas of concern, notably in access to technology, content creation, and governance-related factors. Despite strides in certain areas such as cybersecurity and internet bandwidth, deficiencies persist in crucial domains, including healthcare, education, and sustainable urban development.
Ya’u pinpointed critical issues affecting Nigeria’s digital landscape, citing inadequate data for computation and challenges within the digital ecosystem. He underscored the necessity of addressing connectivity gaps, emphasizing the importance of last-mile connectivity solutions, particularly in underserved communities, to strengthen technology access.
Highlighting the country’s struggle in data availability, Ya’u urged a renewed focus on data capturing and management across all sectors, stressing its pivotal role in informed decision-making.
Additionally, the Executive Director proposed strategies to embrace circular economy principles in the digital technology sector, advocating for measures such as e-waste management, renewable materials utilization, and energy-conscious policies.
He emphasized the imperative of dismantling barriers to digital usage, which include affordability concerns, disinformation, and lack of trust in digital systems. This necessitates a comprehensive effort to enhance user confidence and eliminate hindrances to digital engagement.
Ya’u equally urged swift action, calling for the establishment of a Digital Emergency Working Group to analyze the NRI 2023 report and devise an implementation plan.
He also emphasized the need for collaboration between the federal and state governments to drive digital transformation at all levels, fostering job creation and economic growth.
