Federal Government to invest more in technology for development, President Buhari declares

President Muhammadu Buhari has said channeling more investment to Nigeria’s technological sector, and opening up space for creativity and innovation with digital skills would play a significant role in providing jobs for youths and growing the economy.

Receiving a letter of credence from the Ambassador of Portugal to Nigeria, Luis Filipe Ribeiro Da Silva Barros, at the State House, Abuja, yesterday, Buhari noted that the wave of technological growth across the globe had provided more developmental opportunities for countries, especially for those economies willing to retool and build capacities in areas of need.

“Technology has come to stay and, as a country, we are exploring opportunities for advancement, especially in providing jobs for our teeming youths,” he said.

The president pointed out that many hands in the country are willing and waiting to be meaningfully engaged, urging the envoy to focus on building stronger economic ties with Nigeria in a mutually rewarding fashion.

The Portuguese diplomat, in his remarks, said he had already discovered start-up companies in many parts of the country, pledging partnerships that would enhance the capacity of small businesses, especially in the areas of agriculture, academics, vocational skills and security.

Also taking receipt of the letter of credence of the High Commissioner of Jamaica to Nigeria, Esmond St Clair Reid, Buhari said he was pleased with the growing community of Nigerians in the North American nation, and the harmonious ways they have been conducting themselves and exploring business opportunities.

He assured the envoy of Nigeria’s support in improving bilateral relations.

The diplomat told the president that the growing Nigerian community in his home country had been very active in academics, adding: “We look forward to broad cooperation because there’s a lot we can do together in areas of tourism, craft and skills transfer under your leadership.”

Buhari, who equally received the diplomatic letter of the Ambassador of Indonesia, Dr. Usra Hendra Harahap, urged that trade relations between both countries should be improved, appreciating the country for always standing by Nigeria in international affairs.

The ambassador said his country was poised for stronger ties with Nigeria in security, trade and crude oil importation.