The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Domineum/Edenbase UK for the development of Abuja Tech City.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who signed the agreement on behalf of the government in Abuja, said the collaboration laid the foundation for the participation of a key player in the Tech City project by establishing the general framework for technology transfer between the two UK consortium and federal government.
Nnaji, who pointed out the UK-based developer made over 61 billion pounds in its fifth year of operation, also expressed optimism that Nigeria would recreate such huge successes from the developer of the London Technology City by transforming Abuja Tech City into a profitable project.
While noting that Tech Cities are catalysts for rapid industrialization and enhancement of operational synergy within critical sectors globally, the Minister in an X post on the MOU said the Abuja Tech City would also operate as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ).
He stated: “It will be a full-blown smart and green city, complete with tech-driven startups, industries, entertainment, schools, parks, and home to the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology’s Agenda 8 and 9, which include the Clean Tech Program and the Green Manufacturing Initiatives.
“The Abuja Tech City Ecosystem will be developed by the same consortia that did the London Tech City, which has gone on to become the second most valuable Tech Ecosystem on earth after Silicon Valley. So join us on this journey of progress”, Nnaji added.
The Abuja Tech City was initially conceptualized as Abuja Tech Village (ATV) under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, but the Tinubu’s adminstration recently announced some innovative plans for the project.
For instance, during a recent visit to the location of the Tech City in Pyakassa, Nnaji and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, unveiled an ambitious vision for the project.
Specifically, they spoke on the present administration’s plans to transform the area into a world-class technology hub with the Technology City of London and Silicon Valley standards.
