From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigeria’s digital economy is poised to drive economic transformation, job creation, and national security, with youth urged to lead this charge, experts declared at a recent high-level seminar in Abuja.
Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Gaza Gbefwi, emphasised that digital innovation is a critical pathway to national development. Speaking at the Association of Applied Information Management Professionals (AAIMP) seminar themed “Powering Nigeria’s Digital Economy: Through Advanced Information Management Paradigms”, Gbefwi, represented by Emmanuel Kadiya, described digital transformation as “the bridge between today’s challenges and tomorrow’s prosperity.” He called on young Nigerians, saying, “You will save Nigeria.
Technology is already fixing revenue leakages and transforming infrastructure. We must move from building Nigerian products to creating global solutions. With a smartphone, you can establish a business worth N250 million.”
Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, FCT Administration, Peter Olumuji, highlighted the global shift to digital economies and Nigeria’s progress through the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.
He stressed the importance of strengthening broadband infrastructure to maximize digital opportunities, noting that digital platforms sustained global activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Haruna Ayuba, underscored education’s role in digital innovation, advocating for strategies embracing cloud computing, blockchain, and big data analytics. He affirmed Bingham University’s commitment to supporting national digital development through research and collaboration.
Dean of Computing at Bingham University,
Adabu Usman, warned against data silos and stressed the need for integrated infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data sovereignty. He encouraged youth to leverage predictive analytics and real-time decision-making tools to innovate and compete globally.
Chairman of the Centre for Crisis Communication, Major General Chris Olukolade (rted), stressed the strategic importance of reliable information management for national security, calling the digital economy dependent on effective information infrastructure.
Welcoming participants, AIMP President Omotola Afuye stressed the association’s mission to build a knowledge-driven future for Nigeria. “The digital economy thrives on structured data, timely information, and innovative systems that enhance productivity and decision-making,” he said. He encouraged members to actively shape national discourse and announced the association’s 5th National Conference scheduled for July 2025 in Lagos. “We are not just building an association; we are building a legacy of excellence in information management,” Afuye affirmed.
The seminar concluded with the induction of new AIMP members, who were charged with upholding ethical standards, fostering innovation, and advancing Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy.