The Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) has advised the Nigerian government to provide an environment that is conducive for businesses in 2013, to encourage the active involvement of Nigerian youths in local software development.
Jide Awe, the society’s Chairman of Publicity and Events, wants young and talented Nigerians to develop interest in technology.
Awe said the stakeholders in Nigeria’s ICT sector should organize innovative and meaningful activities and career development projects for the country’s youths and proposed technology competitions should be organised to recognise and support promising young achievers in IT with awards, in an interview with The Guardian.
“In 2013, promotion of software development, youth innovation and entrepreneurship, local content development, ICT-enabled job creation and e-government should be the highest priority.
“Creativity is also required in providing support and access to capital to ICT businesses in a considerable and widespread manner,” he said.
Concerning the creation of a business-friendly environment that will allow ICT innovations to thrive, Awe said the government should look into lowering the cost of doing business in Nigeria, improve power supply, ensure security, and broker public-private sector interaction and multi-stakeholder involvement in strategy/policy formulation.
He also called for support for the development of the much elusive broadband strategy that will address last mile connectivity in addition to improving improve access for underserved/unserved communities.
“An effective infrastructure sharing policy that improves availability and cost holds promise for improving broadband penetration,” he said.
According to the publicity manager, improved access to capital in Nigeria’s ICT sector is required and the government must ensure the financial sector plays a central role. Awe described it as part of an innovation ecosystem required to create the future.
