The GDP Re-Base: Nigeria ranks 121st in global per capita income rating says Dr Johnson

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The Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson

From Benjamin a ameh, Lagos

After the re-basing exercise, the country’s economy is under pressure to ensure equitable distribution of resources from these new opportunities to its population

The Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, Lagos on Monday, at the official inauguration of the Office for Nigerian Content Development (ONC) disclosed that Nigerian per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution is now ranked 121st in the world (up from 135th). This was as results of the re-basing exercise which increased this statistic from $1,555 billion to $ 2,688 billion, she added.

“The ONC is a development focused, Special Purpose Vehicle of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under the auspices of the Ministry.”

Dr Johnson pointed out that the rebasing exercise, which confirmed Nigeria as the largest African economy placed more pressure on the country to ensure equitable distribution of resources and extension of new opportunities to its population.

The minister noted that from the continued signs of aggressive growth in the ICT industry, with an estimated improved GDP contribution of 8.53 per cent by Q3, 2013 it should also be obvious that the ICT industry is a “key growth industry” and as such deserves the design and execution of a well thought out local content policy.

She, however revealed that one major challenge is the significant “perception gap” with regard to the reality of Nigeria being a fit destination as the ICT hub for Africa with vibrant local participation in the ICT industry.

“This is the opportunity for government and private sector alike to better close this perception gap by articulating and “selling” the Nigerian growth story as a partnership opportunity for foreign investors.

We must work to increase the size of the pie so that more value is added locally and we leverage our position and population to create new markets for our corporate partners and our local ICT entrepreneurs.”

She noted that the Local content development plans must be built into projects to be carried out with Ministries, Departments and / or Agencies (MDAs).


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