The Federal Government said it will build a $1billion Information Communication and Technology (ICT) company in the country to boost indigenous technology and first of its kind in Africa.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said this yesterday in Abuja at the 2017 Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition themed ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Getting Africa Ready’.

“I can gladly state that Nigeria, in the near future will no more be a dumping ground for ICT products and services and the government is committed to the establishment of Africa’s first $1bn ICT company here in Nigeria,” Osinbajo said through the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu.

He said government was committed to encouraging the growth of indigenous ICT companies to world standards by proving policies that would help them thrive.

“With the mantra of change, the Nigerian political milieu will be recalibrated for the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, so that both the executive and legislative arms will be more responsive and responsible in addressing the major global challenges staring us in the face,” Osinbajo said.

The Minister of Communication represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Sunday Echono, said, “The establishment of the centre will encourage investment in ICT sector and complement the proposed University of ICT, which will also produce required skilled manpower for Africa to partake in inevitable Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Earlier Chairman Digital Africa Global Consult Limited, Dr Evan Woherem, said the gathering was to move Africa from its current technological position forward. (Daily trust)