The Federal government has expressed its readiness to consolidate Nigeria’s position as the leading entrepreneurial hub in Africa and emerging global digital talent hub.
Consequently, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAICA), has flagged off the Northeast Startups Training program organized to support startups based in the Northeast region.
Speaking at the programme on Monday in Abuja, Director-General of NITDA, Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi said that the recent enactment of the Nigerian Startup Act 2022, is a significant milestone that will strengthen the legal and institutional framework for the development and operation of startups in Nigeria, and also foster the development of technology related businesses in the country and further consolidate the position of Nigerian startup ecosystem as the leading digital hub In Africa.
Abdullahi who was represented by the Acting Coordinator, Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), Yakubu Musa stated that the government is leaving no stone unturned in providing the required support for Nigerian innovation.
He urged the participating startups to take advantage of the knowledge and insights the program will offer and use the same to transform and reposition their businesses for greater impact on the economy of the Northeast region and Nigeria as a whole.
He said: “We are on a journey to shaping and winning our future. You need to fully harness the opportunities provided by the training to enhance your business operations, indeed, the outcome of this program will provide you with the resources and skills required to move your businesses to higher levels and become active players within the Nigerian and global tech and innovation ecosystem. You were all selected through a rigorous selection process. That saw the assessment of about 8541 applications submitted for the next programme. I urge you to stay focused and be open-minded.”
The NITDA boss observed that the digital innovation and entrepreneurship Pillar of the National Strategic Road Map and Action Plan 2021 to 2022 is aimed at facilitating the creation and growth of more innovation driven enterprises.
Also speaking, Japanese Ambassor to Nigeria, Amb Matsunsga Kazuyoshi stated that the development of 5G will be a game changer to give more benefits to communities in the northeast from digital transformation.
