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| Babachir David Lawal |
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, on Tuesday said the Federal Government is deploying Information Communication Technology (ICT) to tackle insecurity, insurgency and economic saboteurs in Nigeria.
He spoke in Abuja while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of the Nigerian government with the Hauwei Technologies of China.
Noting that Nigerians were keen on developing their ICT skills, the SGF said Nigeria would welcome more assistance from the Chinese government.
He said: “The progress made so far in the war against corruption, insecurity and other negative vices would not have been possible without ICT.
“It has been a major tool in identifying saboteurs in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.”
He also disclosed that a group of young and talented federal government employees, who are professionals in ICT, will undertake a two- week training programme in China, courtesy of Huawei.
He added: “I want to commend the company for establishing this ICT training programme. Since 2008, it has been a flagship corporate social responsibility. This is because, today, we are all living witnesses to the role that ICT plays in our daily lives.
“It is also a major employment enabler and wealth generator for the teeming masses of unemployed Nigerian youths.
“I therefore wish to assure Huawei of the government’s unflinching support for the success of this programme and the government is indeed very grateful.”
The Charge D’ Affairs of the Chinese Embassy, Qin Jian, said China’s stock investment portfolio in Nigeria has exceeded $12 billion with the trade volume between both countries standing at $14.9 million.
