The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has announced the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national industrialisation by establishing technological cities across the country.
Nnaji emphasised that these tech cities would serve as catalysts for job creation and rapid economic growth, underlining their vital role in propelling the nation forward.
This proclamation came during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the ministry and Domineum/Edenbase Consortium UK for the development of technology cities in Nigeria. The minister highlighted the transformative impact of tech cities, drawing parallels with global successes such as Silicon Valley and South Korea.
Nnaji emphasised that tech cities play a pivotal role in attracting investors and fostering operational synergy with critical sectors. He noted that the signed MoU would establish a general framework to facilitate collaboration and cooperation for tech transfer between Domineum/Edenbase Consortium (UK) and the ministry.
Referring to the success of London Tech City as the second most valuable Technology Ecosystem globally, following Silicon Valley, Nnaji expressed the government’s intention to replicate such success in Nigeria through the signed MoU. He outlined the vision for Abuja to become a Free Tech Zone, hosting tech-driven start-ups, industries, entertainment sectors, schools and parks, aligning with the ministry’s agenda 8&9, including the Clean Tech Programme and Green Manufacturers Initiatives.
The minister assured that the Federal Government is fully committed to the success of the tech project, seeking the support and cooperation of the citizenry. Earlier, the CEO of Domineum, Geoffrey Wosu expressed confidence in the positive impact the platform would have on the lives of many Nigerians. He mentioned that international partners are also committed to bringing the necessary investments for the project’s success in the country.
Similarly, CEO of Edenbase UK, Sunil Satesh Melwani affirmed the company’s readiness to collaborate with the ministry to achieve and sustain Nigeria’s technology ecosystem. The tech cities initiative signifies a strategic move towards advancing industrialisation and fostering technological innovation in Nigeria.
