2.5 million ICT jobs to be created in Nigeria by 2020

R-L: Lai Mohammed, VP Yemi Osinbajo and Adebayo Shittu

The government of Nigeria has approved the ICT Roadmap 2017 to 2020 with the aim of generating 2.5 million jobs in ICT. Also included in the roadmap is the plan for the creation of an ICT University.

Announcing the approval, Nigeria’s Communications minister, Adebayo Shittu, told journalists at the State House that what the Federal Executive Council approved is a framework for the development of ICT in Nigeria focusing on creating an enabling environment for ICT.

He added it also enables youths in Nigeria to harness their ICT skills, and not needing to visit India, South Korea and elsewhere to acquire ICT skills.

Shittu said: “The ICT roadmap is a component of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017 to 2020) recently launched by the federal government. When implemented, it would increase Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 20 per cent by 2020.

“It would also foster the development of adequate manpower for the exploitation of the ICT industry and consequently enhance effective service delivery through its e-government and e-commerce components.

“This roadmap would enhance broadband penetration in all parts of the country to the tune of 30 per cent and not only guarantee job creation but also ensure the digitisation of Nigeria.”