Ex-minister wants clusters for tech startups

The former minister of communications, Mrs Omobola Johnson, has said setting up information communications technology clusters in Nigerian will accelerate development of young Nigerians who are eager to excel in the sector.

Speaking yesterday at the Nigerian Investment summit, at the ongoing ITU Telecom World conference in Busan, South Korea, Mrs Johnson said having the clusters were very critical as they would help the startups to grow, by sharing experiences, infrastructure.

She said Yaba in Lagos is a good zone where a cluster should be cited based of the number of technological activities that are taking place.

She said government needs to come in and assist the startups with funding and infrastructure for them to scale through.

A technology expert and developer, Mr Bosun Tijani, said Nigeria is doing very well in technology enterprises.

He recalled that seven years ago, only about five ICT companies commenced challenges and business in Yaba, but today there are more than 60 companies that operates in the area.

The Executive VIce Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, gave assurances that the commission was ready to assist the startups to grow with good regulations and supports.

Meanwhile Prof Danbatta yesterday gave assurances to potential investors in the telecommunications sector on the Nigeria’s commitment toward ensuring the safety and protection of their investments.