The Borno State Commissioner for Finance Umar Lawan Dalorima has called for a shift from Africa’s predominant consumption of technology to the creation, ownership and export of technological solutions capable of driving productivity, employment and economic transformation.
The Commissioner made the call while reflecting on the 67th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society, NES, held under the theme, “Unlocking Africa’s Technology Potential: Sustainability and Economic Transformation, Emerging Issues and Policy Options.”
Dalorima said the conference provided important insights into the role of technology in national development, particularly in the areas of productivity, investment, public finance and economic transformation.
The Commissioner commended the NES National President, Dr. Baba Yusuf Musa, for setting the tone for the conference, and described the keynote address by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON, as practical and thought-provoking.
According to him, the Minister’s address placed the technology discourse within the broader context of national development planning and the need to translate technological opportunities into tangible improvements in the lives and livelihoods of citizens.
Dalorima noted that digitalisation presents significant opportunities for strengthening revenue mobilisation, expenditure management, transparency and evidence-based decision-making in the public sector.
The Commissioner, however, stressed the need to complement technological ambitions with investments in reliable energy, digital connectivity and human capital, while ensuring that rural communities, small businesses and vulnerable groups are not excluded.
He said the discussions were particularly relevant to Borno State as the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum continues to pursue reconstruction, economic recovery and sustainable development.
The Commissioner, who is also a member of the Nigerian Economic Society, said Africa’s major challenge was no longer a lack of potential but the ability to convert its resources and technological opportunities into productive capacity and shared prosperity.
Dalorima commended the leadership of the Nigerian Economic Society, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and other participants for the quality and practical relevance of the conference.