How Digitisation Taking Heavy Toll On Nigeria, Others –UN

Nigeria’s progressive embrace of digitization may be coming at a huge economic and social price, a new study has revealed.

Whether the authorities are aware of not, the unmitigated rat race to digitize across the business The Digital Economy Report 2024 has revealed.

A publication of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Agreement (UNCTAD), the study though does not particularise Nigeria, but lists indices which also touch on Nigerian, being a developing country.

It is thus advocating an urgent need for environmentally sustainable and inclusive digitization strategies, in a foreword on the study by Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Rebeca Grynspan

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“Digital technology and infrastructure depend heavily on raw materials, and the production and disposal of more and more devices, along with growing water and energy needs are taking an increasing toll on the planet”, it says.

“Developing countries bear the brunt of the environmental costs of digitalization while reaping fewer benefits.

“They export low value-added raw materials and import high value-added devices, along with increasing digital waste.

“Geopolitical tensions over critical minerals, abundant in many of these countries, complicate the challenges.

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Restating the study’s calls for bold action from policymakers, industry leaders and consumers, she adds:

“It urges a global shift towards a circular digital economy, focusing on circularity by design through durable products, responsible consumption, reuse and recycling, and sustainable business models, to advance inclusive and sustainable development, while mitigating its negative environmental impacts.