FG targets 1m jobs from digital switchover in three years

The federal government has inaugurated a ministerial task force to drive the digital switchover (DSO) process, targeted at creating over one million jobs in three years.

Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, said this on Tuesday, at the inauguration of a ministerial task force on the DSO rollout in Abuja.

Mohammed said in order to begin the commercialisation of DSO, the federal government need to create a structure and an ecosystem that is self-sufficient, self-reliant and able to generate revenue which will drive strategic growth in key areas.

“My decision to set up the ministerial task force to drive the DSO process is hinged on the fact that a successful digital switch over is a massive job creator and a huge revenue generator,” he said.

“This process is capable of creating over one million jobs over the next three years.

“Manufacturing alone can create between 40 and 50,000 jobs. TV production alone can create 200,000 jobs. Film production can generate 350 to 400,000 jobs.

“As an extension to the booming production business, another 200,000 jobs can be created as Nigeria finally grows the capacity to meet the quality demand of fully-indigenous content creations, which will bring back the over $100 million currently exported to South Africa, Europe and United States by Nigerian producers.”

For distribution, Mohammed said: “To supply the market with set-top-boxes, TVs and dongles required for internet connection, Nigeria will need at least 100,000 wholesalers, retailers, electricians, installers, marketers and payment solution providers in order to cover the entire country.”

He further said TV and online advertising can create 50,000 jobs, adding that with a successful DSO, the problem of internet connection to every home will finally be solved.

“Apps will be created to offer goods and services and for interaction and entertainment at every level. Most importantly, the spectrum that is freed up by digitization will become much more monetizable by the mobile/data companies and therefore more valuable to the government. This is capable of creating 200,000 jobs by internet entrepreneurs.”

The members of the task force include: Lai Mohammed as the chairman, Armstrong Idachaba, Edward Amana, Tunde Adegbola, Hajia Sa’ad Ibrahim, Sadeeq Musa, Godfrey Ohuabunwa Lekan Fadolapo.

Others are: Aisha Shehu Omar, J. O. Attah, Nnanna Ibom Olusegun Yakubu, and Joe Mutah who will serve as secretary.