The Nigerian Ministry of Communications Technology recently met with IBM to identify and promote the exchange of ideas between government officials and IBM’s senior leadership team as well as identify opportunities for technology adoption. The Ministries of National Planning, Agriculture and Rural Development, Education, Finance, Federal Capital Territory, Health, Communication Technology and Science & Technology were represented at the meeting.

IBM has identified several challenges in Africa and Nigeria in the areas of water and sanitation, energy management, human mobility, including transportation and public safety, agriculture, financial services and healthcare.  Discussions focused on the processes involved in the adoption of smart government solutions to enhance the development of Nigeria in some of these areas.

“Technology innovation is a key ingredient for social and economic transformation, and critical for crossing the innovation divide. I am encouraged to see the Ministry of Communication Technology spearheading technology reforms in Nigeria, encouraging investment in key building blocks of growth such as education and skills, digital and physical infrastructure and scientific and technical research,” says IBM chairperson and CEO Ginni Rometty.

The IBM Research Africa Lab will create solutions to identified challenges for Nigeria.