Nigeria Is About To make The Same Mistake We Made

Edward Markey, US senator and a ranking Democratic Party member, has warned Nigeria from making the same mistake his home country made with the internet.

Markey said Nigeria must make tax policies to drive internet penetration.

Markey, a member of the Africa and global health policy subcommittee of the US senate foreign relations committee, led a congressional delegation to Lagos from August 12 to 14, 2016.

Markey said Nigeria has to work to better Kenya, which has 3.8 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) coming directly from the internet.

He said for every 10 percent increase in internet penetration, there is a direct two percent growth in GDP, adding that Nigeria, having missed the industrial revolution, must not miss the broadband revolution.

The delegation also met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday to discuss how public-private partnerships in the areas of technology and infrastructure can promote economic growth and development.

Markey stressed that internet connectivity and successful economic development are inseparably linked in the 21st century’s global economy.

“It will be the entrepreneurial and creative attitude of the people in Nigeria and across the African continent that will be the key to overcoming challenges to connectivity,” he said.

“You all embody the vibrant spirit that is the heart of the internet. You will be digital ambassadors in bringing more connectivity to this great country and the region.”