The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Domineum/Edenbase UK for the establishment of Abuja Tech City.
The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, representing the government.
Speaking on Nigeria’s preparedness for the collaboration, Minister Nnaji emphasized that the MOU lays the groundwork for crucial participation in the Tech City project, fostering collaboration and technology transfer between the UK consortium and the federal government.
Citing the remarkable success of London Tech City, which generated over 61 billion pounds in its fifth year, Nnaji expressed optimism about replicating such achievements in Nigeria.
Highlighting the pivotal role of Tech Cities in driving rapid industrialization and fostering synergy across critical sectors, Minister Nnaji, in a statement, announced that Abuja Tech City would operate as a Free Trade Zone. He outlined the vision for the city as a fully integrated smart and green metropolis, encompassing tech-driven startups, industries, entertainment, educational institutions, parks, and serving as the hub for the Ministry’s Agenda 8 and 9 initiatives.
Moreover, Nnaji revealed that the development of Abuja Tech City would be spearheaded by the same consortium responsible for London Tech City, positioning it as the second most valuable Tech Ecosystem globally, after Silicon Valley.
Originally conceived as Abuja Tech Village during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the project has gained renewed momentum under the current government.
Recently, Ministers of Innovation, Science, and Technology, alongside the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, unveiled ambitious plans to transform the region into a world-class technology hub, akin to renowned tech centres like London and Silicon Valley.
The spotlight on the project intensified as illegal occupants were directed to vacate the premises, signalling a significant step towards realizing the project’s potential. Minister Wike emphasized that the indigenous community had been duly compensated since 2015, paving the way for the project’s management to assume full possession of the land.
The directive underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and positioning Nigeria as a global player in the technology landscape. With the MOU signed and transformative plans underway, Abuja Tech City stands poised to redefine the nation’s technological prowess on the global stage.
