ICT in Nigeria: The way forward
There is no doubt that Nigeria's growth
in ICT in the past few years has been enormous. Thanks to Engr Charles
Ndukwe( CEO Nigerina Communication Commission).
But the journey is still far. The Teledensity is still low considering the enormous resources at our disposal(Oil, human capital,etc).
In my studyI found out the impediments to the growth of ICT could not be unconnected with the following problems:
But the journey is still far. The Teledensity is still low considering the enormous resources at our disposal(Oil, human capital,etc).
In my studyI found out the impediments to the growth of ICT could not be unconnected with the following problems:
POVERTY
Nigeria is listed among the poorest nations in the world despite being the 6th largest oil producing country in the world! Larger percentage of Nigerians live below poverty level($1 per day). It will difficult for people that cannot meet their basic needs to crave for or welcome technology.
CORRUPTION
This is the worst disease the Country is battling with. In my opinion( I stand to be corrected), corruption has done more damage to Nigerians than HIV/AIDS! Our government has been paying lip service to fight against corruption. Even the administration under the leadership of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo tried to fight the menace but unfortunately the tool(EFCC) that was created to fight corruption was turned into political tool. Worst still the close associates and members of his cabinet were among the most corrupt people in the country. No wonder the last election was the worst in the history of Nigeria.
Nigeria is listed among the poorest nations in the world despite being the 6th largest oil producing country in the world! Larger percentage of Nigerians live below poverty level($1 per day). It will difficult for people that cannot meet their basic needs to crave for or welcome technology.
CORRUPTION
This is the worst disease the Country is battling with. In my opinion( I stand to be corrected), corruption has done more damage to Nigerians than HIV/AIDS! Our government has been paying lip service to fight against corruption. Even the administration under the leadership of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo tried to fight the menace but unfortunately the tool(EFCC) that was created to fight corruption was turned into political tool. Worst still the close associates and members of his cabinet were among the most corrupt people in the country. No wonder the last election was the worst in the history of Nigeria.
ILLITERACY
As a matter of facts illiteracy level in Nigeria is on the increase. the earning power of Nigerians are dropping courtesy of low renumeration and incessant increase in petroleum products. Most Nigerians could hardly send their wards to Schools. teachers are being owed back logged 'salary'. Pensioners dies on the queue to get their stipends. ASUU had been on strike for over 3 months. It would hard for people that not acquired enough formal education to embrace technology. This was evident during preparation toward 2007 election when the majority of the populace kicked against electronic voting system.
HIGH IMPORT DUTIES
The telecommunications firms in Nigeria often says the reasons why call tariffs is high is because high import duties. Same things affect the ISPs.
NCC LICENSES &FEES
The high cost of licenses and fees form NCC is another impediment to the growth of ICT in Nigeria.
Way forward:
The economic reforms should impact positively on the average Nigerians.
Nigerian government should increase the budgetary allocation to education to 30% of our annual budget.
Corruption should dealt with. EFCC should be truly made independent. If corruption is not dealt with even recently introduced IT fund will go the way of PTDF.
If all these problems could be tackled, then Nigeria will close up on the 1st world nations in ICT.
As a matter of facts illiteracy level in Nigeria is on the increase. the earning power of Nigerians are dropping courtesy of low renumeration and incessant increase in petroleum products. Most Nigerians could hardly send their wards to Schools. teachers are being owed back logged 'salary'. Pensioners dies on the queue to get their stipends. ASUU had been on strike for over 3 months. It would hard for people that not acquired enough formal education to embrace technology. This was evident during preparation toward 2007 election when the majority of the populace kicked against electronic voting system.
HIGH IMPORT DUTIES
The telecommunications firms in Nigeria often says the reasons why call tariffs is high is because high import duties. Same things affect the ISPs.
NCC LICENSES &FEES
The high cost of licenses and fees form NCC is another impediment to the growth of ICT in Nigeria.
Way forward:
The economic reforms should impact positively on the average Nigerians.
Nigerian government should increase the budgetary allocation to education to 30% of our annual budget.
Corruption should dealt with. EFCC should be truly made independent. If corruption is not dealt with even recently introduced IT fund will go the way of PTDF.
If all these problems could be tackled, then Nigeria will close up on the 1st world nations in ICT.
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