The federal government has inaugurated a technical committee to commence the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Program.
This was revealed by Vice-President, Kashim Shettima during the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Tuesday.
The I-DICE Programme is to strengthen and support enterprises in the digital and creative sectors. It is a collaborative effort between the government and international partners, including the Bank of Industry, the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Islamic Development Bank.
The implementation of the programme in the 36 Federation and the FCT was approved by the National Economic Council at its latest meeting held in March.
The Vice President, who said the development was a new dawn for Nigeria, announced that the Ministry of Finance has been mandated to ensure prompt disbursement of funds under the I-DICE programme.
He said “We’ll embark on a journey of innovation, collaboration, and boundless opportunities. A journey that holds the power to redefine the trajectory of our nation’s digital and creative landscape.”
Shettima underscored the importance of partnerships forged with institutions, which he described as a convergence of vision and purpose to achieve shared prosperity.
He expressed his admiration for the rigorous preparations of the Ministry of Finance and partners, indicating that the programme is ready to make its fullest potential a reality.
He noted, “With every condition met, we stand poised to unleash the full force of I-DICE upon the world.”
The Chairman of the Technical Committee for I-DICE, Mr. Tope Fasua, had earlier pointed out that I-DICE’s significant funding provided a clear insight into the programme’s potential to bring about transformative change in Nigeria’s digital and creative industries.
Fasua, who is also the President’s Special Adviser on Economic Matters, (Office of the Vice President) stated that the selection of fund managers was being carried out in an open and fair process.
He explained that the AfDB has complied with all necessary documents and is ready to release funds subject to approved conditions.
“Similarly, the French Development Agency has signed the required documents, pending internal processes.
“The Islamic Development Bank 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 program’s implementation,” he expounded.
Fasua thanked President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to render service and contribute to the nation’s human capital and economic development.
