morganable Technology / Digital Economy
Nigeria Assesses Technology Use Across Five Sectors as NITDA and the SATH Foundation develop a national assessment to examine digital adoption and identify gaps in healthcare, finance, telecommunications, trade and government services.
Lagos —
Nigeria is working to understand how technology affects its economy as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) partners with the SATH Foundation to develop the Nigeria Tech Outlook.
The assessment will examine technology use across five sectors: financial services, telecommunications, commerce and trade, government services, and healthcare.
The goal is to provide information that can help policymakers, businesses and investors identify gaps and make better decisions about digital development.
The initiative comes as more Nigerians use technology to transfer money, communicate, shop and access services. However, access does not always mean that people can use digital tools easily or benefit from them fully.
By studying how technology works across different sectors, the assessment could help Nigeria understand where progress is happening and where more support is needed.
Why Nigeria Needs the Assessment
Technology now plays an important role in everyday life. Banks use digital systems to process payments, businesses sell products online, and government agencies provide information through digital platforms.
These changes can save time and make services easier to access. They can also help businesses reach more customers and manage their operations more efficiently.
However, the benefits are not shared equally.
Some businesses have reliable internet connections, modern equipment and workers with strong digital skills. Others struggle with high data costs, poor connectivity and limited resources.
Individuals face similar challenges. While some people can complete transactions online without difficulty, others may lack suitable devices or the knowledge needed to use digital services safely.
These differences can slow economic growth and prevent people from enjoying the full benefits of technology.
The Nigeria Tech Outlook aims to provide a clearer picture of these challenges. It will examine access to technology, how people use it and the role it plays in productivity.
With reliable findings, decision-makers could identify specific problems instead of relying on general statements about digital growth.
For example, if small businesses struggle because internet access is expensive, policymakers could explore ways to improve affordability. If workers lack digital skills, training programmes could help them use technology more effectively.
Healthcare Shows a Gap Between Interest and Use
One of the key findings shared during the initiative’s presentation concerns telemedicine.
Telemedicine allows patients to consult healthcare professionals remotely using digital communication tools. Depending on the service, patients may receive medical advice, discuss health concerns or attend follow-up appointments without travelling to a hospital.
This approach could help people who live far from healthcare facilities or find it difficult to travel.
However, interest in a service does not always lead to actual use.
During the presentation in Lagos, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi disclosed that more than 80 per cent of over 2,000 Nigerians surveyed were willing to use telemedicine. Yet fewer than 20 per cent had actually used it.
This gap raises important questions about the barriers preventing wider adoption.
Some Nigerians may not know which telemedicine services are available. Others may worry about consultation fees, internet costs or the quality of medical advice received remotely.
Trust also matters. Patients need confidence that their personal information will remain secure and that qualified professionals will provide appropriate care.
Furthermore, telemedicine cannot replace every physical examination, medical test or emergency treatment.
Healthcare providers must therefore offer reliable services, explain their limitations and protect patients’ information. The assessment could help identify which barriers require the most attention.
Five Sectors, Different Challenges
The assessment will also examine four other areas that are important to Nigeria’s economy.
In financial services, digital banking and electronic payments have changed how people transfer money, pay bills and conduct business. However, users still need reliable platforms, effective customer support and protection against fraud.
Telecommunications is equally important because internet access supports many other digital activities. Poor network coverage and expensive data can make it difficult for individuals and businesses to use online services.
Commerce and trade also offer opportunities. Digital platforms can help small businesses reach customers beyond their immediate communities. Traders can advertise products online, receive orders and communicate with buyers more easily.
However, some business owners lack the equipment, skills or financial resources needed to establish a strong online presence.
Government services present another opportunity. Digital platforms can make public information easier to access and reduce the need for some physical visits to government offices.
Yet these benefits depend on reliable systems and easy-to-use platforms. Government agencies must also consider people who lack internet access or need help completing online processes.
By studying the five sectors together, the assessment could reveal how their challenges affect one another.
For example, a small business may want to sell products online but struggle with internet costs, digital payment problems and limited technical knowledge.
Solving only one of these problems may not be enough to help the business grow.
AI and Cybersecurity Need Attention
The Nigeria Tech Outlook will also examine emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data privacy and digital trust.
These areas are becoming more important as businesses and public institutions adopt advanced digital tools.
AI can help organisations analyse information, respond to customers and perform certain tasks more quickly. However, businesses must consider accuracy, privacy and the responsible use of automated systems.
Cybersecurity is another major concern. As more people conduct transactions online, criminals may target digital platforms to steal information or gain unauthorised access to accounts.
Organisations must therefore protect their systems and teach users how to recognise common online threats.
Cloud computing also offers businesses a way to access computing resources and store information through internet-based services. However, organisations must understand the costs, security arrangements and responsibilities involved.
Examining these issues could help Nigeria identify the conditions needed for safe and sustainable digital growth.
Opportunities for Businesses and Investors
The assessment could help businesses understand where technology is making a difference and where further investment is needed.
For example, a technology company may discover that small businesses need simpler and more affordable digital tools. Healthcare providers may identify ways to make remote consultations easier to access.
Investors could also use the findings to understand which sectors need better infrastructure, digital services or skills training.
However, the quality of the findings will be important.
Researchers must distinguish between people who cannot access technology and those who have access but choose not to use it. These groups may need different solutions.
The assessment must also reflect the experiences of different communities, including people with limited income, poor internet access or low digital literacy.
Without a clear understanding of these differences, policies may fail to address the real problems.
Turning Findings Into Action
The long-term value of the Nigeria Tech Outlook will depend on how stakeholders use its findings.
NITDA has emphasised the importance of evidence-based technology policies. Regular assessments could help the country track progress and determine whether its investments are improving digital access and productivity.
However, publishing a report alone will not solve the problems it identifies.
Government agencies, private companies and other stakeholders must agree on priorities, assign responsibilities and measure results.
They must also ensure that digital development includes people who face financial, geographical or educational barriers.
For ordinary Nigerians, the real test will be whether these efforts lead to more reliable services, affordable internet access and better opportunities.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s technology ambitions require more than new platforms and innovative ideas. They also require a clear understanding of people’s needs.
If the Nigeria Tech Outlook provides reliable information and leads to practical action, it could help the country build a more inclusive and competitive digital economy.
