To further create jobs and reduce unemployment, the federal government has commissioned its first world class Sim Card Production plant of about 200 million capacity in Lagos state.
The plant was built with the financial assistance from the Bank of Industry (BOI) and was inaugurated by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, on Monday.
Unveiling the SecureID SIM Card brand, Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, said efforts within the telecoms sphere would be garnered to ensure the home-grown company thrives.
He charged telecoms players such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and Etisalat among others to encourage local production by engaging the firm to produce their SIM cards.
“I believe we must not limit it to Nigeria;we must also spread to other countries,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians and noted that with conducive business atmosphere and necessary financial support entrepreneurs could thrive. “We are very committed in the area of financing. I want to acknowledge the BoI for their support for Secure ID and many other players and they have our full support to actually assist the industrialisation of Nigeria.
Acting Managing Director, BoI, Waheed Olagunju, who applauded the investment decision, said the venture was supported based on its potential to positively impact domestic consumption, aid technology transfer and adduce employment opportunities in the sector.
“When we support projects, we do not only look at the financial viability of such projects. We look at the potential development impact and multiplier effect. The facility we have commissioned today is the first of its kind in Africa for the production of SIM cards that are hitherto imported. There is also in country technology and know-how that would be transferred in the process.”
Also speaking, the Chief Executive, Secure ID, Kofo Akinkugbe, said the feat was achieved despite the difficulties stifling the establishment of manufacturing lines in the country.
