By Stanley Iwuoha
In a bid to enhance local talents and improve nation’s competitiveness, the Federal Government yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the
the Nigerian Association of Computer Village Technology Merchants.
Signing the MoU, the Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji
explained that the MoU is a crucial step towards the shared goal of reducing imports into Nigeria and fostering talent development in the Information and Communication Technology, ICT, sector.
He affirmed the Federal government’s commitment at improving the nation’s competitiveness in local technology and growing the economy and making it globally competitive.
“This MOU we are signing today is a crucial step toward our shared goal of reducing imports into Nigeria and fostering talent development in the ICT sector. This initiative aligns perfectly with the 8-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu a GCFR, particularly the focus on Job Creation and Economic Growth. By harnessing the power of STI” he stressed.
The Minister maintained that Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) remained the driving forces behind the progress and development of any nation
“We aim to ensure national prosperity and enhance our global competitiveness by aligning local technological needs with international opportunities.Expand our capacity to produce more valuc-added goods and services” the Minister added.
“Modify existing products and processes to achieve higher productivity tailored to our local context. Develop tools to address climate change and improve disaster awareness, preparedness, and education. Encourage multidisciplinary research for a comprehensive approach to sustainable development, including collaboration with the private sector”
“Together, we can make significant strides in transforming our nation through innovation, science, and technology” he added
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Computer Village Technology Merchants, Anthony Nwakeze said the agenda of the group is to close the existing gaps in the importation of technology products and to upscale the skills of young a d talented Nigerians through formal training and technology development.
Nwakeze, who expressed profound gratitude to the ministry for consummating the agreement initiated five years ago under the late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, expressed confidence that the MoU would definitely close the gab between the government and masses, added that it is first time of experiencing it over his forty years in Nigeria’s business sector.
Nwakeze said when implemented, the MOU would also engage millions of Nigeria artisans and talents who have the capacity to innovate and refurbish old products into finished products and services.
He also said the initiative would open a window of opportunity for Nigerian talents to compete with the peers globally, earning foreign exchange and growing the economy.
