The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inaugurated the Digital Industrial Park in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as part of the Federal Government’s strategic drive to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy.
The project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s vision of achieving a US$1 trillion digital economy by leveraging infrastructure, innovation, and talent development.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to position Nigeria as a global hub for digital infrastructure, foster innovation, and cultivate a skilled digital workforce.
The park is equipped with advanced facilities, including computer labs, smart networking systems, collaborative workspaces and multipurpose halls.
It offers hands-on training in areas such as Artificial intelligence, cyber security and software development, thereby supporting start-ups and job creation.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Tunji Bosun said the project was a vital part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, “which places digital innovation, youths’ empowerment and inclusive economic growth at the heart of Nigeria’s journey to a US$1 Trillion economy.”
The minister while commissioning the project in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital explained that the Park will catalyze community transformation; a launchpad for innovation, as well as providing a platform for youth empowerment, “where skills meet opportunity” amongst others.
“Technology today is one of the most powerful drivers of economic transformation. For an emerging economy like ours, it remains one of our greatest hopes for leapfrogging development. This is why we must create the right environment for it to thrive.
“The concept behind the Digital Industrial Park is rooted in our vision to promote innovation and digital entrepreneurship in the ICT sector, and to support research and development by transforming ideas into market-ready solutions,” the minister said.
Commenting on the choice of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital as the site of the project for the South West region, Tunji said his ministry had evaluated the immense potential in the Gateway State as a city with a growing network of academic institutions that are blessed with “eager minds” only waiting to be nurtured.
“Let us be clear! Abeokuta has everything it needs to compete—not just with Lagos, but with Kigali, Accra, and Nairobi. What we need now is to unlock and connect the dots.
“Abeokuta also has strategic proximity to Lagos, close enough to collaborate, far enough to chart a unique path. And of course, a government, led by His Excellency Governor Dapo Abiodun, that is investing wisely in roads, tourism, infrastructure, and now, digital futures,” the minister explained.
Tijani however, called on Nigerian youths, industrialists, as well as the academia not to hesitate to partner with the Nigerian government towards turning the Park into a living laboratory for Nigerians’ ingenuity.
“The world is beginning to recognize the genius in places once overlooked. To our partners—academia, industry, and development institutions: join us. Help us turn this Park into a living lab of Nigerian ingenuity,” the minister said.
The Executive Vice Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communication Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida explained that the newly completed Digital Industrial Park in Abeokuta is a vital component of the commission’s broader agenda to accelerate ICT innovation, strengthen research capabilities and drive sustainable growth.
“Our goal is to establish a thriving ecosystem where cutting-edge ICT infrastructure supports the Federal Government’s efforts to make digital services accessible and inclusive across Nigeria,” Maida said.
The Digital Industrial Park Equipped with computer laboratories, smart networking systems, collaborative workspaces, as well as multipurpose halls, is expected to serve as a platform for digital innovators and entrepreneurs in Nigeria to develop their ideas into tangible products.
It is also designed to include hands-on practice laboratories for training and skills development.
The Nigerian Communications Commission is also implementing similar projects in other states, including Kano, Borno and Enugu, designed to provide platforms for digital innovators and entrepreneurs to develop ideas into tangible products and prototypes.