The Federal Government is seeking the cooperation of the private sector for the actualization of a National ICT Park that will create a platform for the acquisition of ICT knowledge, appropriate initiatives, incubating tech ideas into viable startups, research and development, testing and certifications of ICT solutions in Nigeria.
The Minister of Communications, Dr. Adebayo Shittu, who revealed this at the Business Roundtable for Financing of the National ICT Park at the Abuja Technology Village which held in Lagos said that ICT/Telecom industry is key to the economy and avenue for Nigeria youthful population and consumers to unlock the potential in the sector through policies and programmes that have the capacity to boost the economy in collaboration with stakeholders in the ICT sector.
Dr. Shittu said the meeting is meant to appraise the major stakeholders and the private companies operating in the ICT ecosystem and to solicit their cooperation and support towards its success, execution, and operationalization of the project.
He noted that the ICT Park projects is capital intensive, hence the need for industry stakeholders to partner with Ministry to establish the project in order to bridge the skills gap that exists.
In his words “the collaboration between the Ministry of Communications and Abuja Technology Village (ATV), had led to a 6344sqm of commercial land earmarked for the establishment of a National ICT Park within the free trade zone owned and operated by the Abuja Technology Village (ATV).
He noted that the establishment of the centre will encourage investment in the ICT sector and complement the proposed ICT university which will also produce the required skilled manpower for Africa to partake in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
In his words “ICTs are essential in driving entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth as well as building strong interface between the academia and the industry, and we want industry participation and synergy on this project that will be of immense benefit to the ICT ecosystem be it the student community, the academia, and the industry”.
Dr. Shittu stated that establishment of the park will further facilitate digital capacity building for immediate employment, entrepreneurial skills development, job and wealth creation as well as promoting the digital economy in an era of disruptive technology through effective regulations.
In her remarks, the Managing Director, Abuja Technology Village, Ms. Hauwa Yabani pointed out that the village was established to serve as a catalyst and desire transformation of Nigeria as knowledge-based economy adding that the park is strategically located and focus on energy, ICT and biotechnology.
