By Emmanuel Babafemi
In a decisive move to ignite innovation and economic growth, the Federal Government has inaugurated the technical committee for the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) Programme, set to kickstart a $617.7 million investment.
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, who launched the committee on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, lauded the initiative, heralding it as the dawn of a new era in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
The co-chairman 1 of the Technical Committee on the I-DICE programme is Mr Tope Fasua, who is the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, (Office of the Vice-President), the co-chairman 2 is Dr Femi Adeluyi, the national coordinator of the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), representing the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment.
The launch of the technical committee follows the earlier establishment of the Steering Committee for the i-DICE Programme, underlining the government’s commitment to fostering development in the digital and creative sectors.
As the second highest body within the i-DICE Programme, the technical committee assumes critical responsibilities.
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These include providing operational support, offering advisory services, and approving operational and work plans essential for the program’s success.
Vice President Shettima’s directive to include members from each geo-political zone ensures diversity and equitable representation in decision-making processes, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusivity and nationwide development.
The inauguration of the technical committee signals a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a leading hub for technological innovation and creative excellence.
The i-DICE Programme is a collaborative effort between Nigeria and international partners, including the Bank of Industry (BoI), African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (FDA) and Islamic Development Bank (IDB), which aims to nurture and empower enterprises in the digital and creative sectors.
The National Economic Council (NEC) presided over by VP Shettima, in its last meeting in March 2024, endorsed the implementation of the program in the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Attached is the current list of i-DICE technical committee members, with nominations from each geo-political zone pending, as directed by Vice President Shettima during the last National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.
