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FG plans to invest 2 billion dollars in 90,000 kilometers fibre optic project
The Federal Government has announced plans to invest 2 billion dollars to deploy 90,000 kilometers fibre-optic project in the country.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, on the margins of a facilities tour of the vandalized Digital Innovation Park in Kano on October 14, 2014, as reported by Punch.
The project is aim to increase Nigeria’s fibre-optic cable capacity from 35,000km to 125,000km.
According to reports, this will strengthen Nigeria’s terrestrial fiber-optic backbone.
During the August countrywide protest, it will be recalled that youngsters damaged the model park.
According to Dr. Tijani, the fibre-optic project will give communities significant connectivity.
He insinuates that it will guarantee companies, government buildings, hospitals, and schools all prosper in a digitally connected setting.
The minister asserts that it will also quicken growth in important economic sectors including agriculture, healthcare, and education.
He said: “To support this vision, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is committed to deepening Nigeria’s digital backbone.
“Through the National Broadband Alliance and in collaboration with Kano State Government, we are simplifying the process for private infrastructure companies to invest in Kano’s digital economy.
“This partnership will facilitate further investment in connectivity, ensuring that key institutions like schools, hospitals and public offices are connected, enabling Kano to become a true digital hub,” he added.
The minister pointed out that technology is the key to increasing productivity in the modern world.
He stated that it will propel Nigeria’s economic diversification.
He emphasized that Africa and Nigeria in particular have the benefit of developing a dynamic workforce.
This, he said, was despite the fact that many countries were facing population declines.
“This is our moment to become a net exporter of technology talent, while also strengthening our own local industries”, he said.
Tijani claims that the federal government’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program intends to provide three million Nigerians with technical and digital skills training.
He said that this was done to address the rising lack of qualified cybersecurity specialists, software engineers, data scientists, and digital professionals who would be spearheading innovation and expansion.
According to him, Nigeria’s youth were in a unique position to cover this void.
He asserted that the largest number of participants in the program is currently around 300 young people from Kano.
“These young people represent the future, not only of Nigeria, but of the global digital workforce”, he added.
The minister stated that the IHS Towers would contribute to the renovation of the vandalized structure.
He said the park is a representation of Kano and Nigeria’s ambition to lead the world’s digital economy.
He praised the IHS for their dedication to its reconstruction.
The Federal Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy was established in 2011.
It was established to promote a knowledge-based economy and information society in Nigeria.
It was formerly known as the Federal Ministry of Communications Technology.
The Ministry was established in order to support ICT as a crucial instrument in Nigeria’s transformation agenda concerning the creation of jobs, economic expansion, and governmental transparency.
About the minister
Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy at the moment is Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Dr. Tijani is a well-known business leader and entrepreneur.
He has played a significant role in promoting innovation and the expansion of digital startups throughout Africa.
Experience and Background
Tijani was the CEO and co-founder of Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) prior to his appointment as Minister.
Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) is a prominent pan-African technology and innovation hub.
Its locations are in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Namibia.
As European Innovation Manager at PERA, he also oversaw the coordination and networking of top innovation agencies around Europe.
Ministry’s Mandate
As the Minister, he oversees the development, implementation, and regulation of policies related to communications, innovation, and digital economy sectors within Nigeria.
The ministry’s mandate includes enabling universal access, advancing ICT integration, fostering ICT industry growth, and driving transparency and efficiency.
Honors and Education
Dr. Tijani has a doctorate in innovation and economic development from the University of Leicester.
He obtained a master’s degree in information systems and management from Warwick University.
And he acquired a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Jos.
He is also a Desmond Tutu Fellow and a fellow of Stanford University’s Center for Democracy and Rule of Law.
He is an adjunct professor at the Wits School of Governance in South Africa.
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