UK to partner Nigeria on digital switch over

The acting British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr Simon Shercliff, says the United Kingdom would collaborate with Nigeria to fast-track the process of digital switch over in the country.

Shercliff made this known on Thursday in Abuja when he led a team that visited the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr ogbonnaya Onu.

According to him, the digital switch over will enable Nigerians to see more different channels and enhance television technology reliability.

“`UK partnering Nigerian government on digital switch over will strengthen the enduring partnership existing between the two countries in the area of industry, research and other areas of science and technology.

“I therefore, look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the Nigerian government,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Mr Matt Seaman, the Platforms Director of Inview Technology Limited in the UK, said the firm had been commissioned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to develop the digital switch over programmes.

“We have been working closely with NBC and Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to work out the progress first in Jos and then to other part of the country,” he said.

In his remarks, Onu said that Nigeria would remain committed to any programme that would be beneficial to Nigerians, especially the acquisition of new technology.

The minister called on the UK representatives to make use of Nigeria’s Technological Transfer Initiative to set up their manufacturing industry in Nigeria to create more jobs in the country.

According to him, the ministry is working hard to establish the Science and Technology Museum to create awareness among young people in science and technology.

(NAN)