FG Approves N8.9bn For Construction Of National ICT Park

The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N8.9bn for the construction of National ICT Park in Nigeria.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami said that the Council gave the approval at the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

In a statement on Thursday, Pantami said the Park is the first of its kind due to its nature, activities and would boost the Nigerian digital economy

It said, “The Park is expected to accommodate the National ICT Exhibition Centre, as well as Museum for ICT and postal services, to showcase technology-related innovations by Nigerians.”

According to the Minister, the project will be supported by the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre that was earlier presented to and approved by the FEC on November 11, 2020 and whose groundbreaking was done by him on February 4, 2021.

He said, “Both (the NDIEC and the Park) are legacy projects of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. All the Parastatals of the Ministry will be involved in managing the National Centres.

“The National ICT Park would be a focal point for the supervision of both public and private ICT hubs in the country.”

The Minister also said the Park will boost the Nigerian digital economy, provide space and environment for the growth of innovation driven enterprises, as well as serve as an incubator for cutting-edge technology and a mentorship platform for innovators, amongst others.

He said, “It will provide a central location for Nigerian innovators with vibrant and developmental ideas to receive mentorship and all that they need to thrive.

“It will serve as a centre for National ICT policy formulation, research and development.”