AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) has urged the country to embrace emerging technologies as a pathway to sustainable development and global competitiveness.
Chairman of Council, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), made the call at the opening of the institute’s Annual National Management Conference in Abuja. He stressed that meaningful progress requires breaking away from outdated systems, fostering peace, and deliberately embracing innovation.
“For Nigeria to move forward, there must be a break from the past. The operating environment must be conducive and peaceful. No meaningful development can take place in a chaotic or insecure atmosphere,” Ayuba said.
He explained that this year’s conference theme underscores the global role of technology in driving growth. “Technology is everything, and every forward-looking nation or organisation must leverage emerging technologies to drive innovation, creativity, and productivity,” he added.
Ayuba also urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration while charging professionals to lead by example, shunning corruption and social vices that hinder progress.
Similarly, Country Director of the Chenomics Project Nigeria, Michael Egboh, highlighted the nation’s human capital strength, noting that the export of skilled manpower to the United States, Europe, and Asia reflects Nigeria’s intellectual potential.
He described technology as key to unlocking this potential, citing artificial intelligence applications in agriculture, education, and data-driven decision-making.
Egboh called for education reforms, investment in digital skills, affordable internet access, expanded 5G deployment, and establishment of data centers to safeguard digital sovereignty. He emphasised inclusivity, urging that women, rural communities, and persons with disabilities must not be left behind.
Representing the Federal Government, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to technology-driven development. Speaking through Francis Nyenge, Akume said nations that harness innovation gain a competitive edge in turning challenges into opportunities.
He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population and digital economy provide opportunities for innovation across governance, agriculture, health, education, and industry.
According to him, President Tinubu has laid the groundwork for a knowledge-driven economy through initiatives such as the Nigeria Startup Act, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and investments in broadband and digital skills.
“By prioritising policies that support artificial intelligence, digital finance, renewable energy technologies, and youth-focused innovation hubs, President Tinubu is ensuring that Nigeria not only keeps pace with global trends but also leverages them to create jobs and drive competitiveness,” Akume said.
He assured participants of continued government investments in infrastructure, research, and partnerships to ensure innovation thrives. “It is only through collective efforts that we can harness emerging technologies to achieve our national aspirations,” he concluded.
