FG to deepen incentives for start-ups in ICT to attain 2018 job creation target

Federal Government is set to introduce incentive packages for start-up companies in the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) industry, so that they can help government realise the three million jobs target by 2018.

The incentives range from tax holidays to ICT Innovation Fund and ICT Incubation Scheme, to drive the sector’s growth.

Adebayo Shittu, minister of communication, and Afolabi Imoukhuede, senior special assistant to the President on Job Creation/Youth Employment; Office of the Vice President, disclosed this during the visit of the minister to Yaba Technology Ecosystem Hubs in Lagos.

Shittu, while speaking after assessing facility like the Co-Creation Hub, iDea Hub, among others, expressed satisfaction at the infrastructure on ground, and noted: “We want to replicate what is happening here in other parts of the country in partnership with key stakeholders. We are going to start in Ibadan and Katsina State in the next three months, as both the governors have agreed to provide facilities for the establishment of these hubs.”

The minister disclosed the administration plans on focusing on the ICT sector of the economy to drive an encompassing economy growth added. “As you all know, the ICT innovations is powering economies across the globe, creating employments and wealth. It is impacting on the way we live and the way we do businesses; Government is resolved to develop the ICT sector through Local Content initiative.  Government will continually support Yaba and all ICT hubs across the country because it is a veritable platform to achieve our ICT objectives,” he said.

Afolabi Imoukhuede added that the government would consider tax holidays and rebates for qualifying tech start-ups, so that they can employ more people and grow the entrepreneurial sector of the economy.

KELECHI EWUZIE