By Emmanuel Elebeke
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has said the Federal Government is determined to achieving the digital switch-over programme in Nigeria, as it would help in the acquisition of new technologies.

The minister stated this when the Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Simon Sheridiff, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Onu assured of the government’s collaboration and cooperation in the realisation of the project by June 2017.

He however urged the management of the British based firm to produce the components and equipment that would be used for digitalization in Nigeria, to create more jobs and generate wealth for the citizens in the country.

He said the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology has Technology Transfer Promotion Initiative, adding that incentives would be provided for companies willing to transfer their technologies to Nigeria.

The minister further hinted that the Ministry would establish a Science and Technology Museum in 2016, as part of measures to create science and technology awareness among the youth so as to stimulate their interests in the sector.

Earlir, Sheridiff, said that the switch-over from analogue to digital television in Nigeria would create over 10,000 jobs for Nigerians.

Seaman said his firm has been working with National Broadcasting Corporation[NBC] and Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in the last 12 months to actualise the digital switch over programme in the next few years.

He said already the installation of infrastructure for the programme has begun in Jos, Plateau State, adding that the launch of the programme would take place in few weeks time.