The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, emphasized the need for Nigeria to harness its large youth population through investment in technology to drive economic growth. He made this assertion while hosting members of Group Six of the Senior Executive Course of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Abuja.
Bagudu highlighted the importance of thinking innovatively and fostering collaboration to promote investments in technology start-ups across the country. He pointed out that over the last 10 months, technology and the creative ecosystem had significantly contributed to job creation for youth, enhancing their global competitiveness.
The minister urged the institute to examine the role of the digital economy in Nigeria's agenda for 2050 and the National Development Plan (2021–2025). He emphasized the need to evaluate if the digital economy, which offers vast opportunities for youth employment and sustainable job creation, is adequately integrated into both documents.
Bagudu noted that the digital economy is not the responsibility of a single ministry but a sector that should be embraced by all to avoid being left behind in the digital era. He commended President Bola Tinubu's administration for establishing the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and separating the Ministry of Youths from Sports, showing commitment to developing these sectors.
