President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is gearing up to introduce the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) program, aiming to create millions of jobs in the technology sector.
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s media aide, Kingsley Nkwocha, disclosed that the i-DICE program stems from the Tinubu administration’s commitment to generating ample job opportunities within the technology space.
Vice President Shettima has directed the i-DICE Steering Committee to ensure the program kicks off by the end of November this year, underlining its significance to the government’s digital job initiative.
Sen. Shettima emphasizes that the $617.7 million i-DICE scheme could be transformative for the economy, urging careful fund utilization for maximum impact.
Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, highlights the program’s pivotal role in fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to create 1.2 million digital jobs, with a substantial focus on inclusivity, particularly women’s participation.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijjani, underscores the unique opportunity the i-DICE program offers in bolstering technology startups and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in the field.
Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Mr. Kayode Pitan, reveals that funding for the i-DICE Program has been secured in collaboration with development banks, covering digital, creative, and entertainment sectors, with a strong focus on youth engagement.
Ministers of Science and Technology Innovation, Industry Trade and Investment, as well as Arts, Culture and Creative Economy were also present at the meeting, affirming their support for the transformative potential of the i-DICE program.
