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The Nigerian government is opened to exploring partnership with Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on smartcity development and other tech initiatives, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, revealed this yesterday during a visit to Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA).
The visit is part of his official engagements at the just ended GITEX Technology Week.
The Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is an integrated free zone technology park. Pantami who led a strong Nigerian team to a meeting with the DSOA said the visit will enable the Nigerian side get a firsthand assessment of how the park has evolved to become a tech mini-city.
In addition, the team will be exploring collaboration to enable technology transfer and exchange in a way that deepen the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy(NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria.
“Our visit to Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority is to see the process they have followed to digitalise and transform the entire city which is highly commendable.”
“Whenever you have an idea that is transformative, it is better to approach and learn from someone who has already achieved it to minimize your mistakes and errors.” said Pantami.
He added: “So, we are here to explore how they established the city so we can take the idea back home and share with the Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and see how we can assist them digitally.
“There are state governors in Nigeria who are also proactive and have developed promising digital concepts. We can also share with them on areas for partnership so that we can replicate this digital plan in our country.”
