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Shittu seeks local content development in telecom sector

By Kingsley Jeremiah, Abuja
07 November 2018   |   2:59 am
The Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, in Abuja, on Monday, urged telecommunication firms operating in the country to establish manufacturing plants locally to boost local content and job creation. Speaking at an ICT competition, launched by Huawei Technology, to provide skill development to universities in Nigeria, Shittu said the current administration is leveraging information technology…

[FILE PHOTO] Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu

The Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, in Abuja, on Monday, urged telecommunication firms operating in the country to establish manufacturing plants locally to boost local content and job creation.

Speaking at an ICT competition, launched by Huawei Technology, to provide skill development to universities in Nigeria, Shittu said the current administration is leveraging information technology to deliver effective public service.

“You must begin to look at establishing local manufacturing plants in Nigeria, so that we can begin to manufacture devices locally,” Shittu said.

According to him, Nigeria has cheap labour, growing population and affordable land property that would support investments.

He equally assured investors that the administration would continue to prioritise collaboration with the private sector, and address challenges confronting investors in the sector, adding that the opportunities presented by Huawei would enable Nigeria develop digital skills.

The Minister said: “We are committed to protecting our lands and property within our borders; you can therefore rest assured that your investment in Nigeria would be safe and secure.

Speaking on the programme, he noted that over 10,000 students from 15 universities all over the country are participating in the initiative, adding that over eight universities have signed MoU with Huawei ICT Academy, and over 60 students are now certified.

The Economy Counselor, Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhao Linxiang, said China would continue to support Chinese companies in participating in Africa’s infrastructure development by way of investment, construction, operation or through other models, with focus on enhancing cooperation on telecommunications industry.

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