The Information Technology Security System Professionals on Saturday called for the appointment of a minister of state for the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy.

The Executive Secretary, ITSSPS, Rogba Adeoye, made the call during an interview with journalists in Lagos.

Mr Adeoye said that the appeal was necessary because the ministry was a big one with three important portfolios: communication, digital economy and innovation.

He added that FMCIDE was also a dynamic ministry with critical assets that contributed significantly to the economy of the nation.

According to him, the call for a minister of state did not mean that the minister, Bosun Tijani, is incompetent but rather that the ministry needs extra hands.

”The first thing you will notice about the ministry of communication, innovation and digital economy is that it is the driving force for the economy and Nigeria. When we say digital economy, it relies heavily on data and other supportive technologies; in that case, it is not a small ministry.

“My first advice to the government is that the ministry should be supported by a minister of state who will be in charge of different components and departments,’’ Mr Adeoye stated.

According to him, there are many data-generating agencies in the ministry, and the digital economy has also helped to drive revenue generation.

He said these were no small tasks and that the load was heavy, stressing that there were enough policies but a short supply of drivers of the policies.

The executive secretary emphasised that the call for a minister of state was due to the dynamic nature of the FMCIDE and not for any other reason or incompetence.

He said the digital economy needed extra hands, and the government must make deliberate efforts to access its experts.

Mr Adeoye also lamented the brain drain in the sector, saying that measures should be put in place to address the issues, especially after having spent so much in training such brains. 

(NAN)