NITDA Says Proper Utilisation of Data Critical for SMEs Value in Digital Economy Era

The proper utilisation of data can create a competitive advantage, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in this era of data economy.

According to the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Inuwa, the governance of data to ensure that maximum value is derived saying that Government must provide the needed support for the thriving innovation ecosystem.

Inuwa who made the remark in his welcome address at a stakeholders’ engagement on the Draft National Data Strategy (NDS) organised by NITDA, said “the non-depletion characteristics of data make it a special asset for the creation of value and is of key strategic importance for both the public and private sectors.”

He said that the strategy seeks to create an enabling environment for access to data to develop the digital economy, adding that it also supports the development of Data Infrastructures, Data for Public Good, Open Government Data, Data Privacy and Protection, and Upskilling Nigerians in both public and private sectors.”

Inuwa who was represented by the Acting Director, Digital Economy Development Department, Engr. Salisu Kaka, said that data collection/acquisition, transmission, storage/warehousing, processing, use, and protection must be carried out in a manner that is respectful of the rights enshrined in the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Presenting the Nigeria Data Strategy to stakeholders Mr. Lukman Lamid said “the essence of the engagement is not just to have an excellent document but one that can be implemented”.

He said the vision of NDS is “to make Nigeria one of the top leaders in the global data economy translating into prosperity of all.”

Lamid explained that “the mission of the NDS is harness the economic and social values of data for the advancement of Nigeria. He added that the goal is to make data as accessible, sharable, and actionable as possible for all categories of stakeholders who might need it for economic and social gains.”

The Stakeholders’ Engagement is to provide information about the proposed NDS, opportunities for stakeholders to discuss their opinions and concerns and expectations as well as misconceptions regarding the NDS and discuss the potential impacts of the strategy.