The Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, yesterday, in Abeokuta, the state capital, officially commissioned the Digital Industrial Park constructed as part of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s efforts at driving the $1 trillion digital economy for Nigeria.

The park, equipped with computer laboratories, smart networking systems, collaborative workspaces, as well as multipurpose halls, is expected to serve as a platform for digital innovators and entrepreneurs in Nigeria to develop their ideas into tangible products.

It is also designed to include hands-on practice laboratories for training and skills development.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, who spoke during the commissioning, said the project was a vital part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, “which places digital innovation, youths’ empowerment and inclusive economic growth at the heart of Nigeria’s journey to a $1 trillion economy.”

He stated that the Park would serve as catalyst for community transformation, a launch pad for innovation, as well as providing a platform for youths’ empowerment, among others, adding: “Technology is one of the most powerful drivers of economic transformation. This is why we must create the right environment for it to thrive.”

“The concept behind the digital industrial park is rooted in our vision to promote innovation and digital entrepreneurship in the ICT sector, and to support research and development by transforming ideas into market-ready solutions.”

Tijani, who spoke on the choice of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as the designated place of the project for the South-West region, said his ministry had evaluated the immense potential in the Gateway State as a city with a growing network of academic institutions that are blessed with “eager minds” only waiting to be nurtured.

He, however, urged Nigerian youths, industrialists, as well as academia, not to hesitate at partnering with the Federal Government towards turning the Park into a living laboratory.

“The world is beginning to recognise the genius in places once overlooked. To our partners—academia, industry, and development institutions — join us. Help us turn this Park into a living laboratory of Nigerian ingenuity,” he said.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, noted that the development marks progress in the delivery of a tangible achievement of the administration’s renewed hope agenda.

He said that the newly completed digital industrial park in Abeokuta is a vital component to accelerate ICT innovation, strengthen research capabilities, and drive the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.