NITDA supports CAPDAN on ‘Otigba’ Computer Village ICT Hub

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated its support for capacity building, Information Communication Technology (ICT) Innovation and Entrepreneurship as one of its core mandates.

Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, NITDA’s director general, made this known while receiving the management of Computer & Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN) led by its president, Ojikutu Ahmed, who visited the agency’s headquarters to canvass the establishment of an ICT Hub at the Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos.

Said he: “The process of developing the ICT sector in a society as diverse and complex as ours is quite daunting.  However, the potential benefits of developing such a critical sector of our economy far outweigh whatever challenges such a process may entail.  A well-developed IT sector will significantly improve our economy. It will reduce capital flight, create jobs, generate revenue and help to position Nigeria as an IT hub for the Region.

“As we join hands to develop the sector, I wish to request your support in the following seven key areas: Regulation; Capacity Building;‎ Local Content Development & Promotion; Digital Job Creation; Government Digital Service Promotion; Cyber Security; and Revenue Generation.

“It is always important as a regulatory body to create an enabling environment that could drive ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship. No nation can move forward by relying solely on the government as the only catalyst and employer of labour. ”

Ahmed, in turn, invited the management of the agency to visit the computer village for an assessment, and witness the enterprising nature of Nigerian youths.

The market which operates under the umbrella of CAPDAN is regarded as the largest ICT and accessories market in Africa and is estimated to generate over N300 billion to the economy annually.

The Computer village besides dealing in ICT and accessories also offers repairs of software or hardware components of mobile phones and computers by computer engineers and technicians.

The market which has created job opportunities for Nigerians opened on a daily basis except on Sundays and public holidays; also attracts new investors and ICT dealers across Africa thereby expanding the market size and boosting the Lagos State economy.