By Seun Adams
The Minister of Communication, Dr. Adebayo Shittu, has assured that Nigeria will join the International Communication Union (ITU)
in Bridging the Standardization Gap (BSG) programmes by facilitating the efficient participation of Nigeria in ITU’s standard-making processes and hands-on sessions during the year.
The Minister, who was represented at the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day by Mr. Kilyobas Binga, which was held at the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation in Abuja, said the BSG is a fundamental part of ITU’s mission to connect the world.
He stated that it is also one of the strategic objectives of ITU’s standardization sector to address the disparities in the ability of developing countries, relative to developed ones, to access, implement and influence ITU’s international standards
He said: “the overarching goal of the BSG programme is to facilitate increased participation of developing countries in standardization, to ensure that developing countries experience the economic benefits of associated technological development, and to better reflect the requirements and interests of developing countries in the standards-development process.”
Shittu added that ITU standards are consistently being pursued to ensure interoperability, open up global markets and spur innovation and growth noting that the standards are good for both the developed and developing countries as well as to help accelerate ICTs for all Sustainable Development Goals.
He called on ITU member states, industry members, small and big companies and academia, together with UN sister agencies, partners and all stakeholders, to support ITU’s BSG programme for the prosperity and the well-being of all.
He pointed out that the ministry is committed to forward-looking policies to enable citizens, businesses and societies to prosper while mitigating the possible adverse effects that can accompany economic change.
He said the policy will encourage investment and promote the development of digital economies, while building an inclusive digital future for its citizens.