By Rukayyat Sadauki
In an effort to put effect to “Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem pillar of the re-crafted Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, SRAP 2.0 of the National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) the Agency has inaugurated the reconstituted the National Blockchain Policy Steering Committee and commenced a co-creation workshop for the implementation of the policy initiatives.
The NITDA Director General, Kashifu, Inuwa, CCIE while reconstituting the steering committee disclosed that the committee would play a crucial role in overseeing the successful implementation of the various initiatives related to Blockchain technology in the country.
He maintained that the reconstitution of the steering committee has become imperative to leverage the dynamic potentials and ensure the continues effectiveness of the National Blockchain Policy.
Inuwa noted that continuous evolving nature of Blockchain technology and its increasingly transformative application across diverse sectors necessitate a commensurate evolution in the leadership.
The Director General, who was represented by the Director, Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi said the reconstitution of the committee brought together fresh waves of experienced professional and leading minds in the Blockchain space adding that their diverse expertise would be instrumental in crafting a robust implementation plan for the National Blockchain is Policy.
He averred that parts of the committee’s responsibilities is to provide strategic guidance, monitoring progress, and addressing any challenge that may arise during the implementation of the policy initiatives.
He said, “Additionally, the committee serves as a platform for collaboration, dialogue, knowledge sharing, and decision-making on all matters related to implementation, adoption, and integration of blockchain technology across different sectors of the Nigerian economy.”
On the co-creation workshop, the NITDA boss described it as a springboard for propelling Nigeria forward adding that “through collaborative efforts within this open forum, we intend to translate the National Blockchain Policy’s visionary aspiration into a concrete implementation plan.”
While quoting a report from PwC, the Director General stated that Blockchain technology could boost the global economy by US$1.76 trillion by the year 2030, Inuwa noted that it has become strategic imperative to unlock the immense economic potential of Blockchain technology.
The NITDA boss acknowledged that Nigeria needs to be strategic and take advantage of the offerings from the potentials in Blockchain technology. He said, “This robust plan will serve as the key to unlocking the immense potential of Blockchain technology, propelling it to drive innovation across diverse sectors, enhance transparency and efficiency in government processes, and empower Nigerians through secure and inclusive digital solutions.”
Inuwa, who was confident that the newly reconstituted Steering Committee, in collaboration with the participants at the workshop, would help in forging a comprehensive and forward-thinking implementation plan for the National Blockchain Policy observed that leveraging the potential of Blockchain Technology would propel Nigeria’s socio-economic engine, enhance the transparency and efficiency in governance, and empower citizenry and businesses with secure and inclusive digital solutions in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Earlier, the Director, Digital Economy Development Department, Engr. Salisu Kaka in his remarks emphasised the importance of the Blockchain steering committee and the need to align the implementation of the National Blockchain Policy with its overall goals and objectives.
The members of the committee were drawn from representative of relevant government agencies, industry experts, academia, and other stakeholders involved in the Blockchain ecosystem.
Recall that the National Blockchain Policy Steering Committee was inaugurated May 2023 and tasked with overseeing the implementation of the National Blockchain Policy and ensuring its alignment with the overall goals and objectives of the policy.