The Federal Government plans to replace the National Identity Card with a Digital Number, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has said.
Pantami, who spoke in an interview with PRNigeria’s Economic Confidential, explained that when the digital number becomes the new national identity, Nigerians would be able to access relevant services offered by government agencies and private institutions.
“The new approach is the digital number, not the card. The number will be in the country’s database and linked to the person’s passport, driver’s license, among others.
“If an individual wants to access any kind of service, it will be through the digital number provided. There is no point promoting the digital economy and people are going out with cards. It should be optional”, Pantami said.
Pantami confirmed that the contribution of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased in the second quarter of 2020.
The minister said broadband penetration rose significantly from a little above 30 per cent to more than 42 per cent in the last year.
“Any country where broadband penetration increases by 10 per cent will witness GDP increase of between 1.6 per cent and 6.8 per cent.
“Digital economy indeed is the future, and it is all about prioritizing digital innovation and digital entrepreneurship,” he added.
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