The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the guidelines for the implementation of the Executive Order 5, which places Nigerian professionals at the centre of economic and social development of the country.
Dr. Onu said this when he received the Association of Computer Village Technology Merchants of Nigeria in his office on Thursday, in Abuja.
The Minister reiterated that the Executive order 5 is a right step in the right direction in repositioning Nigeria’s economic fortunes.
According to Dr. Onu, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement will grant Nigerian businesses access to over 1.2 billion people across the continent. In his words, “With the recent African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, Nigerian businesses have access to not just 200 million Nigerians, but 1.2 billion people in Africa. Nigeria needs to be a global super power”.
He assured the association of the Ministry’s partnership. Adding that, the collaboration between them would increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He further said that, the Ministry is committed to supporting Nigerians who make meaningful contributions to the development of Science, technology and Innovation.
The Minister added that the partnership with the association will create wealth, significantly reduce unemployment, reduce crime and increase revenue for the government.
Earlier, the President of the Association of Computer Village Technology Merchants of Nigeria, Prince Tony Nwakeze said his association wants to collaborate with the Ministry in creating an enabling environment.
He said that the enabling environment requested include; reduced import tariffs, financial grants, trainings and the establishment of a technology hub to facilitate their activities.
He further added that his association has created employment for over 5 million youths and has positively impacted the economy of the country by enhancing internally generated revenue (IGR). Also present at the at the meeting were the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mohammed Abdullahi, Mr Sunday Akpan (Permanent Secretary) and Directors of the Ministry.
OTUYEMI ADETAYO
PRESS AND PR
FMST
21ST JANUARY 2021.