Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, on Wednesday expressed optimism that Nigeria will emerge stronger and more prosperous from the present economic downturn.

Ngige gave the assurance during an interactive session with delegation from Huawei Technologies Co. Nig. Ltd led by its Abuja Managing Director, Tank Liteng.

“What Nigeria is going through today is a passing phase. Developed countries of the world have at one time or the other witnessed such. Your country China has passed through it but emerged for reasons of hardwork and resilience.

“Nigeria shall certainly weather this storm and emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation. We are very optimistic,” he said.

The Minister called on Huawei Technologies to support the economic diversification efforts of the Federal Government, by deploying Information Communication Technology to the enhancement of Agricultural and Mining sectors and other critical areas which Nigeria can leverage on to boost its economy in view of the dwindling oil price in international market.

“We urge you to support the diversification efforts of the Federal Government by deploying information communication technology into agriculture and mining.

“These areas are largely untapped and we have a comparative economic advantage therein. Your assistance in these two sectors can help Nigeria generate additional revenue needed to reflate the economy,” the Minister stressed.

He further entreated Huawei to impact necessary Information Communication Technology skills on youths who form the large army of unemployed persons, emphasising that the devil will always find work for an idle hand.

Speaking earlier, Tank Liteng, Abuja Managing Director of Huawei Technologies expressed the commitment of his company towards employment generation initiative of the Federal Government through human capital development of the Nigerian youths on information technology.