A quiet revolution is stirring in Nigerian environment.
It is inspired by the Ministry of Communication Technology which kicked off one of its kind Open Data Development Initiative to support the federal government’s objective of driving innovation, investment and economic growth by enabling access to government data.
The concept of open data development is about making information and data freely available and searchable, encouraging feedback, information-sharing, and accountability.
The Initiative is a consultative and inclusive process expected to open up high value datasets from across government ministries to Nigerian citizens, businesses and the rest of the world, for free.
It shows that the federal government is now truly open for business.
The commencement of the process makes Nigeria the world’s first federal Open Data initiative to simultaneously launch inclusive and continuing consultations with both government and nongovernment communities on their Open Data priorities to develop the country’s national Open Data implementation plan.
The Nigeria Federal Open Data Initiative, supported by the World Bank and DFID highlights the potential efficiency, innovations and public value that can be achieved when government uses technology to open its data Over 50 countries have launched federal-level Open Data initiatives.
The impact on economic growth can be transformative; an analysis by global consulting firm McKinsey indicates that Open Data generates more than $3 trillion of new economic value for the U.S. economy alone.
Also the weather data of the US is worth $30 billion annually, while the total worth of Global Positioning System, GPS data is worth $90billion.
In Nigeria, open data is targeted at gaining from the huge economic benefits.
We are particularly happy that the ministry of Communications Technology has taken all the necessary steps to protect the integrity of the initiative and ensure that Open Data fuels innovation and grows the Nigerian economy.
The project is typical of the Mrs. Omobola Johnson-led ministry of Communications Technology which has demonstrated leadership skills and attitudes.
Johnson is a fine example of a leader that takes initiative, creates structure and inspires others in her environment.