The Federal Government has unveiled plans to invest $2 billion in a project to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across Nigeria. This initiative aims to expand the country’s fiber optic network from 35,000km to 125,000km, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, made this announcement on Monday in Kano during a facility tour of the vandalized Digital Innovation Park.
This investment will provide high-quality internet connectivity to communities, connecting schools, hospitals, government offices, and businesses, thereby fostering a digitally empowered environment. Tijani emphasized that the initiative would drive growth in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.
He also highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s digital backbone through collaborations like the National Broadband Alliance and partnerships with the Kano State Government, streamlining the process for private firms to invest in Kano’s digital economy. This will help establish Kano as a digital hub.
Tijani stressed the role of technology in boosting productivity and diversifying Nigeria’s economy. He noted that while many countries face declining populations, Africa, and especially Nigeria, has a growing workforce, which offers an opportunity to become a major exporter of tech talent while strengthening local industries.
The Minister also spoke about the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, an initiative by the federal government to train three million Nigerians in digital and technical skills. This program addresses the shortage of skilled professionals in fields such as software development, data science, and cybersecurity. Kano has the highest number of participants, with over 300 young people currently benefitting from the program.
Regarding the damaged Digital Innovation Park, Tijani announced that IHS Towers would assist in its refurbishment. He commended IHS for their commitment, calling the park a symbol of Kano and Nigeria’s ambition to lead in the global digital economy.
