As part of efforts to ensure a digital world for it teeming youths, the Federal Government of Nigeria has urged Huawei Technologies to invest in the Nation's ICT Park with a view to empowering youths with ICT knowledge and skills. Nigeria Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu made the appeal on behalf of the Federal Government during a meeting with the Supervisory Board of Huawei Technologies in Lagos.
Shittu advised the company to explore cooperation with Nigeria in strategic ICT Plan, National Broadband Plan, ICT Development Bank; National ICT Park and National Smart Cities Initiatives among others.
He urged the Chinese tech giant to help the country in innovative and affordable solutions and connect more unconnected people in rural areas.
In his words, “Nigeria is willing to implement cooperation deals reach with Huawei, strengthen cooperation in areas such as ICT and human capital development. I would like to first express my sincere gratitude to Huawei Technologies for their commitment to promote ICT ecosystem development in Nigeria”.
He said, “My presence here is a further demonstration of my commitment and a strong belief in Huawei Technologies to assist Nigeria Government in leveraging ICT to drive transparency in governance and improve the quality of cost-effectiveness of public service delivery in Nigeria as well as competitiveness”.
Dr. Shittu noted that ICT has emerged as one of the key performers of Nigeria’s economy by contributing around 10% to the country’s GDP, with 79% mobile penetration and 33% broadband penetration.
On his part, Mr. Jason Li, Chairman, Supervisory Board, HUAWEI Technologies, stated that he was in Nigeria for oversight function. He noted the company's readiness to comply with all regulations in Nigeria and cooperation with the local ecosystems.
Li opined that the organization has a strong commitment to making the company hire more Nigerians.
