MIRC untolds N5bn Africa’s first IT mart project

A new initiative designed to take Information Technology (IT) to a higher level in Nigeria is about to become a reality courtesy of Messrs Master International Reality Concept (MIRC), a subsidiary of CFL, the promoter of New Alade Mall.

Unfolding the project at his Maryland office last week, Group Managing Director, CFL Group, Mr Lai Omotola said the mart is going to be the first of its kind, “not only in Nigeria, but in sub-Saharan Africa.”

The project site is located along Simbiat Abiola Way, in the precinct of the popular Computer Village and is to sit on a three-acre piece of land, with 1000 outlets.

It was also designed to have IT laboratory, where a lot of research would be conducted and necessary information gathered. Besides, the mart will have a car park that would accommodate at least 100 vehicles at once, including a befitting landscape, two bullion vans, banking hall, among others.

Giving the take-off time of the project, Omotola said the firm is awaiting the approval from the Lagos State government, and that it’s possible to get it in few months to come.

“Our target for completion period of the project is 18 months, while we believe that approval would be given, latest, in three months’ time because we have completed all the necessary documentation.

“More than that, our foreign financier and notable IT firms abroad are all ready for the take-off of the project. They are very much enthusiastic about it, believing that Nigeria is a huge market for IT in all ramifications,”Omotola assured.

Speaking on the need for the venture, the CLF boss was convinced that IT was the best alternative to crude oil and agriculture, especially, in view of its value chain end, and that the mart was conceived to harmonise these value chains ends.

He also stated that the mart is going to receive global recognition because many international major players in the industry are already keyed into it.

“The truth of the matter is that the mart is going to be our own version of Silicon Valley when completed, and the location would attest to this. We all know that Ikeja is the base of IT in Nigeria, and will continue to remain the same.

“This is because when we are talking of the most peaceful and organised local government council in Nigeria today, Ikeja is second to none, and that is why the council will continue to attract businesses.

“Ikeja has the highest number of hotels, with a great number of financial institutions and manufacturing concerns. In essence, we are eager to continue to do our businesses there, just as we successfully done with the New Alade Mall,”he stated.