The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, urged Senior Executive Course 46 participants from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, to thoroughly analyze the role of the digital economy in Nigeria's Agenda 2050 and the National Development Plan (2021-2025). He emphasized the need for this examination to determine whether the digital economy, which offers significant opportunities for youth employment and sustainable job creation, is adequately addressed in both documents.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by Study Group Six of the Senior Executive Course in Abuja, the minister highlighted that embracing the digital economy is crucial for national progress. He emphasized that the digital economy should not be limited to a single ministry but should be embraced by all sectors to avoid being left behind in the digital landscape. He cited the establishment of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, as well as the separation of the Ministry of Youths from Sports, as clear indicators of the government's commitment to developing these sectors.

Bagudu noted various interventions aimed at youth empowerment, including the approval of the N300 billion Youth Investment Fund, the training of three million youths in the I-DICE project, and the creation of a National Agricultural Development Fund across the country. These initiatives align with the administration's priority of accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitalization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.

Highlighting the importance of digitization in today's globalized world, the minister stressed that the digital economy serves as a financial hub for Nigerian youths. He emphasized the significant demographic representation of youths, constituting 31% of the population, and underscored the necessity of addressing their needs to tackle unemployment, drive development, and ensure sustainable growth.

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