The United Kingdom (UK) Department for International Development (DFID) on Tuesday called for partnership with Lagos State Government in the area of science and technology innovation to promote mobile financial services.
Ms Harriett Baldwin, a Minister of State in DFID, made the call when she led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, at Alausa, Ikeja.
Baldwin said that UK Government would want high tech entrepreneurs in Nigeria, especially in Lagos to benefit from the 38 million pounds extension of Mobile for Development Programme.
According to her, Nigeria and Lagos have over 90 tech companies that are inspiring the whole of Africa.
“This is a programme working with GSM and mobile technology organisations to help develop financial services that can be delivered through the mobile phone.
“This is one of the most innovative areas in Africa at the moment.
“This is something that can help millions of people in the world and in Nigeria to do financial services and buy things online through their mobile phones.
“We hope to strengthen our relationship with the state government in this area to achieve your vision,” Baldwin said.
Responding, Hamzat lauded the programme, saying that it would be impactful in solving the challenges in Lagos State.
He said Lagos was open to innovations which would bring advancement to the state, especially in the areas of health, agriculture, technology, among others.
“This programme will be very impactful when the UK Government deals with Lagos State in this area.
“It can help solve some problems in Lagos State, which will in turn solve a lot of Nigeria issues.
“If you solve Nigeria issues, you are solving Africa’s issues, because one out of every four Africans is a Nigerian,” he said. (NAN)
