WASHINGTON, DC—On Tuesday, June 22, the U.S.-Nigeria Council (USNC) hosted a virtual roundtable with Nigerian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy H.E. Dr. Isa Ali Pantami. Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and USNC Chairman Terence McCulley welcomed guests and introduced the Honourable Minister.
Amid the backdrop of Nigeria’s controversial ban on Twiter, Minister Pantami began by providing an overview of the country’s digital economy, outlining the eight pillars of his recently released National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030. He underscored his commitment to drive down the cost of data and foster an enabling environment for investors and entrepreneurs to thrive. Minister Pantami also emphasized the need to diversify Nigeria’s economy through digital technology and innovation, all the while ensuring that such efforts promote inclusive digitization.
Following these remarks, USNC Executive Director Emeritus Eliot Pence moderated a discussion between Minister Pantami and USNC members participating in the event. The ensuing discussion focused on the Twitter ban and any long-term implications it could have for Nigeria’s digital economy.
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