Real Reason President Buhari Changed The Name Of Ministry Of Communication

FG Renames Ministry Of Communication

Naija News has obtained fresh facts on the decision of the federal government to change the name of the ministry of communication.

As previously reported by Naija News, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the change of name for the Ministry of Communications. It is now to be known as the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

In a statement signed by a Deputy Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Philomena Oshodin, President Muhammadu Buhari renamed the ministry to further expand its mandate and capture the goals of digitalization of the Nigerian economy.

The statement reads: “The ministry which supervises the ICT Sector has been renamed The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to further expand its mandate to capture the goals of digitalisation of the Nigerian economy in line with the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP), one of the key agenda of the present administration.”

It was gathered the Minister in charge, Isa Ali Pantami made a presentation to the President on the name change because the old name had become limiting and obsolete and did not reflect the trends as emphasized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

He also gave examples of some World and African countries that have adopted the same route successfully.

Pantami said: “ICT contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at 13.85 percent in the second quarter of 2019. The change of nomenclature will propel the ministry to reposition its strategic objectives as laid out in the priority areas of this administration while accelerating growth and social inclusion.”

He “cited examples of global and African economies like Scotland, Thailand, Tunisia, Benin Republic and Burkina Faso among others, who have adopted deliberate strategies and created Ministries of Digital Economy in line with global best practice, and especially the European Union which has a commissioner for Digital Economy.”

After due consideration, President Buhari conveyed his approval in a letter where he noted “that the request is in line with global best practice which will further reflect the priorities of his administration.”