The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasised the importance of the DPI in promoting Nigeria’s digital economy.

According to the SGF: ”DPI is the key to unlocking new avenues for growth, creating jobs, improving public service delivery and empowering our citizens. To achieve this vision, we must establish a well-coordinated and robust governance structure to drive its implementation”.

Director, Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen in a statement disclosed that the SGF urged members of the Committee to work assiduously to provide necessary strategic direction and coordination of the seamless integration of the three core pillars of the DPI, which are Digital Identity, Financial Payments and Data Exchange, to foster innovation and evidence-based decision making in governance.

The Director General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote in her address reiterated the role of NIMC in improving the overall quality of life of Nigerian citizens through a digital publication structure. According to her, ”We acknowledge our full responsibilities to contribute meaningfully to advance economic growth, enhance citizen engagement and improve overall quality of life through DPI. NIMC pledges her full support and cooperation on this noble endeavour, and together we shall work diligently to ensure the implementation of DPI in Nigeria’’.

In his presentation, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), harped on the critical importance of unifying government databases to facilitate seamless data exchange and enhance the overall life event experience for Nigerian citizens.

The Managing Director, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr. Premier Oiwoh also noted the need to build teams to solve local problems on identity management and financial payments.

‘’NIBSS has been working collaboratively with NIMC to verify National Identity Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers to ensure financial Payment and secure transactions by linking their database for more efficient results.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE (DPI)

1.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Chairman)
2.Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Member/Secretariat)
3.Head of Civil Service of The Federation (Member)
4.Attorney General of The Federation and Hon. Minister of Justice (Member)
5.Hon. Minister of Finance (Member)
6.Hon. Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy(Member)
7.Hon. Minister of Interior (Member)
8.Hon. Minister of Budget and National Planning (Member)
9.Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) (Member)
10.Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) (Member)

The post FG Inaugurates Presidential Committee on Implementation of DPI  appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

NLC made the recommendations in a letter signed by NLC’s president, Ayuba Wabba and sent to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The letter dated August 8th, was in response to recommendations made by Nigerian governors in July.

As part of the recommendations, the governors had asked the FG to raise VAT to 15 percent and offer public workers older than 50 years a one-off retirement package to avert the looming economic crisis.

The governors’ proposals were said to be part of coordinated efforts to instil fiscal discipline and prevent the nation from imminent economic collapse.

But NLC said the implementation of the retirement proposal would lead to the sacking of about a quarter of the public sector workforce.

NLC also urged the federal government to “raise taxes across the board for the rich, including increased taxes on luxury goods and lifestyles”.

“Pursuant to this, if state governors strongly believe that age 50 is the problem, we demand that all governors, public office holders and politicians above 50, as a mark of good faith, should immediately step aside. Leading by example would spur public servants to take a cue,” the letter reads.

“While we commend you for your thoughtfulness for a wage increase, the truth of the matter is that given the misfortune that has befallen the Nigerian populace, especially workers with fixed incomes, there is an urgent need for a massive intervention much deeper than the 22 percent. We would recommend a 50 per cent salary review across the board given the realities on the ground.

“These recommendations seek to make the poor pay more taxes while the rich pay little or nothing in clear violation of the well-known norm of the rich paying taxes to cover up for the poor.

“Foreign trips ordinarily serve their useful purposes, but they have been abused by MDAs, especially budgetary-independent agencies such as the CBN, FIRS, NPA, NIMASA, NCC, NITDA and other blue-chips.

“This acts as a big drain on our resources. Accordingly, while we do not canvass for a total ban, there should be some control, a limit to foreign travels. The number should be pegged per year until we have a turn-around.”

The union disagreed with the governors on petrol subsidy removal, saying it “could lead to unintended consequences which we would be better off without.

“Truth is that the little benefit the average person in Nigeria enjoys could lead to unintended consequences which we would be better off without,” it said.

“The solution to subsidy and the ballooning deficits lies in domestic refining, effective management of our refineries, and creating an enabling environment for effective and efficient public sector leadership in the building and management of local refineries.”

“We do concede that a quick and enforceable resolution of the conflicts around ownership of gas in various entities is key to freeing up investment space for foreign direct investment and local businesses in the country.

“Sadly, prolonged inter-agency fighting has become a familiar feature of your government. You would need to put your foot down pending the paperwork.”

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The project which would be undertaken through NITDA’s subsidiary, National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) situated in Wuye District, Abuja, is in partnership with relevant stakeholders in the ecosystem aimed at making Nigeria the hub of digital talents in Africa and the world at large.

The programme is in line with National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) of the Federal Government, and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024) pillar of Emerging Technologies.

Trainees will go through a series of coaching, and lectures to develop programming skills in Python for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Robotics and Data Science.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has directed NCAIR to run the programme under 24/7 operation schedule within the Centre, including an internship programme that will provide intensive training to Nigerian youths with the goal of producing software developers.

NDG Training is divided in to two batches (A&B). Batch A will run from Monday to Wednesday, Batch B will run from Thursday to Saturday, and Sunday will be independent study day, and Certificates will be issued to the students/trainees at the conclusion of the programme.

Classes will be held six (6) days a week in 3 clusters (24 students each), with 12-hour sessions for independent study and working on exercises and projects between 8pm and 8am daily.

WHO CAN APPLY?
• Nigerian Youth residing or has an accommodation in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; including NYSC Corps Members, Secondary School Students and Undergraduates who are on holiday.

• Graduates and any other individual that wishes to acquire intensive digital skills.

•Participants must be at least 15 years old.

Kindly note that the training will take place physically in ABUJA.

Interested Applicants should please click here

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