*Dr. 鈥橞osun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy affirms the Ministry鈥檚 commitment to deepening digital backbone capacity and connectivity through the National Broadband Alliance, and collaboration with the Kano State Government with $2 billion investment to deploy a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic project across the country

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

As part of Nigeria鈥檚 efforts at unlocking productivity and ensuring diversification of the economy, Dr. 鈥橞osun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has disclosed the Federal Government plans to invest $2 billion (Two Billion US Dollars) to deploy a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic project across the West African country.

Dr. Tijani noted this Monday, October 14, 2024, when he visited Kano State on a tour of the vandalised Digital Innovation Park of the National Communications Commission by irate youths during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest August this year.

The Minister explained the fresh investment is aimed at expanding fibre optic cable capacity from 35,000km to 125,000km, and to boost the terrestrial fibre optic backbone in Nigeria.

As regards the benefits of the digital project, Tijani also said the investment in fibre optic cable capacity would herald considerable connectivity to telecoms consumers in communities, hospitals, and businesses, including agriculture in the country.

He restated: 鈥淭o support this vision the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is committed to deepening Nigeria鈥檚 digital backbone, through the national broadband alliance and in collaboration with the Kano State government, we are simplifying the process for private infrastructure companies to invest in the Kano digital economy.

鈥淭his partnership will facilitate further investment in connectivity, ensuring that Kano becomes a true digital hub鈥�

Today鈥檚 world technology, Tijani said, is the key to unlocking productivity and ensuring the diversification of Nigeria鈥檚 economy and that Kano has the highest number of participants with over 300 young people.

The Minister averred: 鈥淭his is our moment to become a net exporter of technology, and talent while strengthening our local industries, these young people represent the future, not only of Nigeria but of the global digital workforce.鈥�

Commending the IHS Towers for the company鈥檚 commitment to rebuilding the damaged park, Dr. Tijani confirmed the digital facility would remain in Kano State as a symbol of Kano, and Nigeria鈥檚 aspiration to be at the forefront of the global digital economy for a prosperous future.