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Nigerian researchers shine at ICEGOV 2024
Nigerian Researchers Make Global Impact at ICEGOV 2024
Five Nigerian researchers showcased groundbreaking work at the 17th International Conference on the Theory and Practice of E-Government (ICEGOV 2024), held in Pretoria, South Africa. The prestigious event was organised by United Nations University and UNESCO. It attracted over 336 participants from 49 countries, emphasising the growing significance of digital governance in today’s global economy.
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Aligning with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Representing the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, stressed the alignment of these researchers’ contributions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda aims to leverage technology as a tool for economic diversification and enhanced governance in Nigeria.
Abdullahi emphasized that the participation of Nigerian researchers at ICEGOV highlights the country’s strategic role in the global digital governance landscape. Out of 157 papers submitted, only 85 were accepted, underscoring the competitive nature of the event. He stated that the insights from these research contributions could drive technological innovations critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and governance reforms.
NITDA’s Commitment to Digital Advancement
The Director-General reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to supporting research and innovation. This will ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of digital transformation. According to Abdullahi, the research presented at the conference aligns with the agency’s goals of fostering e-governance solutions that benefit both the public and private sectors, ultimately enhancing public services and governance efficiency in Nigeria.
Showcasing Pioneering Nigerian Research
The Nigerian researchers presented pivotal works at ICEGOV 2024, each addressing various challenges and opportunities in digital transformation. Here are highlights of their research:
1. Bridging the Broadband Gap – Hassana Asuku
Asuku’s research, titled “Bridging the Broadband Gap,” focuses on narrowing the digital divide in rural areas. Her comprehensive strategy proposes enhancing broadband access to promote economic inclusion and boost civic engagement, directly supporting the government’s digital growth agenda.
2. Digital Competency in the Public Sector – Adeyinka Patrick Adewumi
Adeyinka’s study on “Digital Competency in the Public Sector” addresses the challenges caused by low digital literacy among civil servants. He advocates for targeted digital skills training and infrastructure upgrades to accelerate the public sector’s transformation.
3. Scalable Digital Public Infrastructure – Dr. Agbali Mohammed
Dr. Mohammed presented research on Scalable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which examines institutional barriers to effective DPI deployment in Nigeria. His work aims to foster public-private partnerships and improve regulatory frameworks to drive widespread adoption of DPI.
4. Tax Compliance for SMEs – Dr. Tanimu Mukhtar Garba
Dr. Garba introduced Taxpoynt, a platform designed to simplify tax processes for small businesses (SMEs). Given the critical role of SMEs in Nigeria’s economy, this innovation is poised to improve tax compliance and boost economic contributions from the SME sector.
5. Citizens’ Freedoms in E-Governance – Dr. Salihu Dasuki Ibrahim
Dr. Ibrahim’s work explores how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can enhance citizen liberties by addressing obstacles such as inadequate ICT infrastructure and data privacy concerns, aiming to promote transparent and inclusive governance.
Nigeria’s Global Leadership in Digital Governance
The contributions of these researchers position Nigeria as a leading voice in the global digital governance conversation. Their innovative approaches to e-governance, asset management, and digital infrastructure reflect Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable economic growth and improved governance. With strong support from NITDA, these efforts underscore Nigeria’s readiness to become a major player in the global digital economy.
