NITDA Inaugurates Reconstituted National Blockchain Policy Steering Committee
By Matthew Eloyi
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated the reconstituted National Blockchain Policy Steering Committee, marking a significant step towards the implementation of the National Blockchain Policy.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the new committee and the commencement of co-creation workshops aimed at advancing the policy, on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, highlighted the committee’s role in overseeing the successful implementation of blockchain technology initiatives in Nigeria.
Recall that on May 3, 2023, the Federal Government of Nigeria approved the National Blockchain Policy for Nigeria. The Policy recognises the potential of blockchain to revolutionise many industries from finance to healthcare, to transportation, governance and supply chain management.
The National Blockchain Policy Steering Committee, initially inaugurated on May 16, 2023, has been instrumental in aligning the National Blockchain Policy with its overarching goals and objectives. However, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) decided to reconstitute the committee to include a new wave of experienced professionals and leading minds in the blockchain space, whose diverse perspectives are expected to enhance the effectiveness of the policy’s implementation plan.
The DG who was represented by the agency’s Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, noted that the reconstituted committee will serve as a platform for collaboration, dialogue, knowledge sharing, and decision-making on matters related to the implementation, adoption, and incubation of blockchain technology across different sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Revealing the terms of reference of the steering committee, Head, Digital Technology Development Division, NITDA, Dr Ayodele Bakare said part of the responsibilities of the steering committee is to engage in research and analysis, as well as create mechanisms for international collaboration.
The reconstitution of the steering committee is in alignment with pillar number 7 of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority areas which seeks to accelerate diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation.