By 
By Oluwatobi Opusunju
The Nigerian government is looking to strengthen ties with India in the areas of ICT development and investment, Minister of Communication, Mr. Adebayo has said ahead of the 4th Indo-Africa ICT conference and expo scheduled to hold from May 22 to May 23 in Lagos.
The expo is expected to herald Nigeria’s growing interest in technology investment and help improve India/Nigeria business relations. More than $10 billion has been invested by India in Africa in less than a decade to underscore its commitment to grow trade and deals with Africa’s 54 countries particularly in ICT.
“Nigeria being the fastest growing ICT market and with a young population that has capacity and innovative mind, we stand to partner and learn from India. This expo will enable Nigerian start-ups, entrepreneurs and businesses to form partnerships with their foreign counterpart and pitch innovative creations for public/commercial acceptance,” said Shittu in Abuja.
“Government is more than ever before prepared to patronise made-in Nigeria goods, instead of buying foreign products, to grow faster and stimulate economic growth,” he added.
He urged Indian investors to key into the numerous untapped resources and huge potential market in the country in order to promote business cooperation between the two countries.
High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Mr Shri Reddy in response, said the choice of Lagos for this event for a second time is a recognition of the vast potential that exists in Nigeria and also because of the nation’s importance as gateway to West Africa and other parts of the continent. The third edition of the event took place in Lagos in September 2017.
“India and Africa would forge closer cooperation in efforts to accelerate growth in ICT with the view to boost economies through the use of advanced technologies and services.
“The ICT expo would provide business opportunity for local entrepreneurs to pitch their solutions and products to over 50 Indian companies expected to attend the event,” said Reddy.
The expo is organised by the Indian High Commission and the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TECP), an organisation set-up by government of India, to promote telecom services.
