THE Federal Ministry of Communication Technology in collaboration with Google has unveiled a new ‘Impact of Internet’ study, which examines the Internet’s impact on and potential contribution to social and economic development in Nigeria.

Besides, a recent study conducted by Google Incorporation Africa has ranked Nigeria top among other countries with the greatest potentials in using the Internet to promote good governance, eCommerce and finance, though these sectors have not yet produced solutions that have spread across the region.

The report revealed that of all the countries covered in the study, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya and Ghana, Nigeria shows the greatest potentials in using the Internet to promote governance, enhance businesses and boost the economy, noting that continuing investment in core infrastructure and the rapid implementation of the broadband plan will positively impact on economic growth and employment.

Speaking at the launch of Dalberg Impact of Internet report in Abuja, the report, Google Nigeria Policy manager, Titi Akinsanmi explained that while the number of Nigerians going online continues to rise yearly, there is need to be more informed on how policymakers and investors should capitalize on the potential that the internet presents.

“These report seeks to highlight the potential of the Internet for social and economic development. It also seeks to help policy makers understand how their constituencies already use the Internet, where the opportunities lie, what future potential for social impact the Internet offers. It specifies the need for government to continue to play the lead role as visionaries and adopters of new technologies,’’ she added.

Also speaking, Country Manager, Google Nigeria, Juliet Ehimuan noted that Google was serious about Nigeria and wanted to get more Nigerian users online by developing an accessible, relevant and sustainable internet environment.

She disclosed that Google gave $500,000 to Nigeria ICT Forum Nigeria to support efforts in improving access to Internet infrastructure in tertiary education institutions in Nigeria.

According to her, Nigerian Internet users make up 28.9 per cent or 44 million of the population (WorldInternetStats) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).  “This is up from 6.7 per cent in 2008 — a fourfold increase.”

Ehimuan observed that a recent World Bank study based on analysis of 120 countries found that a 10 per cent change in broadband adoption is associated with a 1.38 per cent increase in GDP per capita growth in developing countries.

She stated that Google is helping to reduce access barriers facing potential Internet users adding that Google’s Universities Access Programme would impact over 100,000 students at six Nigerian universities, with more universities to follow.

She listed localised Google products in Nigeria to include:  Google Search in local languages (Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Pidgin), Google Maps, Gmail SMS, iGoogle, Google News, Baraza, Google Trader adding that the firm also provided information on the Nigerian elections through its Nigerian Elections Portal.

“We are helping to strengthen an Internet ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa that is viable and sustainable in the long-term. We are helping to strengthen the developer community in Nigeria and empowering the next generation of developers. We are working with universities, raising the level of curriculum, raising awareness about Google, and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. 27 Nigerian students from eight universities act as Internet and Google ambassadors in their communities.”