Digital tools critical to national growth, development–Expert

An Abuja-based policy innovation expert, Dr Osasuyi Dirisu, has described digital tools as indispensable and critical to national growth and development.

Dirisu, a Deputy Director at Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), made the expression in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Wednesday.

The innovation expert, who spoke on the sidelines of a co-creation workshop for Nigeria’s digital transformation said that digital tools were crucial in all sectors of the economy.

Dirisu, also a senior official, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, reiterated the efficacy of digital tools in handling work tasks.

” Across different sectors, digital tools help to scale up investments, improve reach, targets, access and business outcomes,” she said.

She said the centre was interested in facilitating sustainable and inclusive digital transformation of Nigeria.

” In doing this, we should carry even the most vulnerable along in the ease of doing business.

” Women and young people doing small scale businesses, small holder farmers and other required digital tools to become visible.

” With the right digital tools, the promotion and distribution process can be activated. This can also improve business opportunities and outlook,” she said.

Dirisu said that the digital access project was part of the flagship projects funded by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office.

She said that the workshop was to facilitate public-private sector dialogue in the digital transformation process.

” We need to look at the gaps, barriers, access and device the means to enthrone a new digital transformation ecosystem.

” Every stakeholder is enjoined to be part of the conversation, especially at the national dialogue scheduled to hold later in the year,” she said.

Mr Oswald Guobadia, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Digital Transformation, spoke of the need to develop a tech-enabled business ecosystem.

He said that the Start-Up Bill would soon receive presidential assent to fast track the implementation of the digital transformation process.

Guobadia said that a tech-enabled business ecosystem would contribute immensely to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.