The Federal Government has
inaugurated a technical committee to kick off the Investment in Digital and
Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim
Shettima has hailed the development as the dawn of a new era in Nigeria,
according to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant on Media and
Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
The iDICE Programme, a
collaborative effort between the government and international partners,
including the Bank of Industry (BoI), African Development Bank (AfDB), French
Development Agency (FDA) and Islamic Development Bank (IDB), aims to nurture
and empower enterprises in the digital and creative sectors.
The National Economic Council
(NEC) had in its last meeting in March endorsed the implementation of the
$617.7 million i-DICE programme in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
Speaking on Wednesday during the
inauguration of the Technical Committee of the iDICE progarmme, the Vice
President expressed optimism about the initiative's potential to redefine the
nation's digital and creative landscape.
"We embark on a journey of
innovation, collaboration, and boundless opportunity - a journey that holds the
power to redefine the trajectory of our nation's digital and creative
landscape," VP Shettima said
The Vice President revealed that
the Ministry of Finance has been mandated to ensure the expeditious
disbursement of funds for the iDICE Programme, paving the way for its swift
implementation.
He highlighted the significance
of the partnerships forged with institutions, describing them as a
"convergence of vision and purpose" in pursuit of shared prosperity.
The VP commended the meticulous
preparations undertaken by the Ministry of Finance and partners, affirming the
programme's readiness to unleash its full potential.
“With every condition precedent
met, we stand poised to unleash the full force of iDICE upon the world,” he
said.
Senator Shettima applauded the
accomplishments of the programme coordination Unit over the past year,
including its establishment, procurement of fund managers, and engagement with
ecosystem stakeholders, describing them as a testament to Nigeria's indomitable
spirit of innovation.
The iDICE Programme, according to
the VP, “represents a catalyst for transformation, a beacon of hope for future
generations.”
Earlier, the Special Adviser to
the President on Economic Matters (Office of the Vice President) and chairman
of the Technical Committee on the iDICE programme, Tope Kolade Fasua, noted
that iDICE's substantial financial backing underscores the programme's
potential to drive transformative change in Nigeria's digital and creative
sectors.
“The selection of fund managers
for the iDICE programme is being conducted through an open and transparent
process, guided by the African Development Bank (AfDB). This approach aims to
ensure that the best-qualified firms are entrusted with managing the
programme's financial resources,” he said.
According to Fasua, the AfDB has
completed all necessary documentation and is ready to disburse funds, subject
to agreed terms.
"Similarly, the French
Development Agency (AFD) has signed the required documents, pending internal
processes. The Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) is in the final stages, with one
last document awaiting approval from the Ministry of Finance.
"With the groundwork laid,
the committee anticipates the first drawdown of funds on April 15th, marking a
significant milestone in the programme's implementation," he further
noted.
Fasua expressed gratitude to
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and contribute to
societal impact and the nation's human capital and economic development.
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