Thursday, January 25, 2018 11.00PM / Proshare WebTV
Nigeria’s key Ministers for Science and Technology Dr Ogbonnaya Onu and
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Barrister Adebayo Shittu have
committed to pushing for an enabling policy environment that will facilitate
the growth of Fintech in the country.
Both Ministers shared this in their remarks at the 2nd
National Fintech Conference in Lagos, powered by the Fintech Nigeria
Association.
The Minister for Science and Technology, who was represented by the
Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi Prof.
Gloria Elemo said investments into innovation was key to tackling the rising
tide of unemployment in the country.
Dr Onu in his speech read by his representative assured the Fintech
Conference that the recommendations and communiqué will be championed by his
ministry for policy action.
He noted that the National Framework for Science, Technology and
Innovation will integrate the role of Fintech in driving the economy. The
Policy maker also informed stakeholders that there is also a National Science
& Technology Roadmap will give priority to the innovative solutions from
Fintech.
In his address at the conference, the ICT Minister Barrister Adebayo
Shittu said his Ministry was exploring avenues for deeper and strategic collaboration
with Fintech Nigeria, while commending the association for its role in
advancing Fintech.
Barrister Shittu believed there was immense opportunity in tapping into
ICT innovations that can bring the informal market into the mainstream economy.
He advised Fintech Nigeria Association to work closely with the National
Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to scale innovation in the
nation.
The ICT Minister committed to providing an enabling environment, through
strategic policies that will remove perceived bottlenecks that could impede the
growth of Fintech. According to him “Fintech has the potential to impact
Nigerians on a large scale, through the provision of innovative solutions for
the financial services.”
Giving his opening remarks the Chairman of Fintech Nigeria Dr Segun Aina
asserted that there is indeed a Fintech revolution in Nigeria and the globe. He
also stated that the body has been focused on coordinating fintech activities
across the country.
Dr Aina disclosed that the Association has been pushing for the adoption
of Fintech, through engagement with policy makers and regulators.
Matteo Rizzi Co-Founder, Fintech Stage in his remarks shared that it is
has been at the forefront of the global drive for Fintech in emerging economies.
Rizzi stressed that Fintech Stage was focused on “Building Fintech
ecosystems across the globe” and was happy to be part of the 2nd
National Fintech Conference.
The conference which has as its theme “Harnessing Emerging trends in
Fintech” featured on the first day, panel sessions on key topics namely;
“Fintech opportunities in Nigeria’s financial services,” “Enhancing Financial
Inclusion,” “Investment Trends,” “Deepening Capital Market through Fintech”,
“Fintech Innovative Solutions,” “Developing and Sustaining Unique Digital
Finance Solutions for Africa & Infrastructure Implications” and a “Special
Awards and Recognition ceremony.”
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