*Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State commends the Federal Government of Nigeria for its Artificial Intelligence Strategy, and planned investments in and deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic to enhance Internet connectivity across the country

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Former Governor (Malam) Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has commended the Federal Government for its planned investments in installation of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic to boost connectivity across Nigeria.

绿帽献妻 reports Malam El-Rufai gave the commendation Wednesday, May 21, 2025, while speaking at the Arewa Tech Fest 2.0. held in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria.

El-Rufai, who was the convener of the Arewa Tech Fest 2.0 hosted by the Katsina State Government, emphasised that the AI Strategy is a well-thought-out initiative.

The Kaduna Governor stressed the Federal Government’s plan to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic network across the West African country coupled with Artificial Intelligence (AI) is well-thought-out.

He also hinted although he is currently not “an admirer” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 administration, he yet applauded Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), for doing an excellent job that deserves recognition and praise.

The former governor expressed hope that the Dr. Tijani’s well-thought-out strategies and plans would be fully implemented for the benefit of Nigerian digital consumers.

According to El-Rufai, Nigeria cannot achieve its full potential unless it has a rapid communications network.

He, however, said the challenge is getting the AI Strategy implemented as soon as possible because the world is waiting for no one.

El-Rufai further stated: 鈥淚 would like to commend the minister for a job well done so far in service of the country.

鈥淚 want to thank the minister, I am not an admirer of the President Bola Tinubu administration as you all know, but the Minister Bosun Tijani is doing an excellent job in his space.”

The ex-governor, who is also a former Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), noted: “We must recognise it and commend him. My hope and prayer are that all his beautiful thoughts, strategies and plans be implemented for the benefit of Nigeria.

鈥淭his country cannot achieve its full potential unless we have a rapid communications network.”

He added: 鈥淭he 9,000 kilometers of fiber optic that the Federal Government intends to deploy is a very commendable step.

“The AI strategy is well-thought-out; the challenge is to get it implemented as soon as possible because the world is waiting for no one.”

Tijani highlights significance of in 70,000 additional telecoms towers

Speaking at the recent event in Katsina, Dr. Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, also restated that the Federal Government is preparing investments in 70,000 telecommunications towers.

The Minister disclosed that over 80 percent of the new telecoms towers would be sited in the Northern part of Nigeria.

Tijani noted the basic goal of the telecoms project is to close the existing connectivity gap, and to make Nigeria the “most inclusive digital economy” in Africa, where no community is left behind.

According to him, the 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic network, is also aimed at connecting every corner of Nigeria.

He asserted that the initiative remains one of the Federal Government鈥檚 biggest investments in the digital space in the country.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope agenda, Tijani further revealed that his Ministry has focused on foundational initiatives that can unlock national productivity.

He stated: 鈥淭his tech festival today is not just an event, it has a strong signal from Katsina, the Arewa States and a signal that Arewa is ready.

鈥淚, therefore, challenge participants, particularly the innovators in the room, that you don鈥檛 need to move to Lagos or Abuja to be successful.

“All you need is also not to wait for formation, because all you need is yourself and your formation.

The Minister averred: 鈥淲e are building a Nigeria that works for everyone….

鈥淭he future of Nigeria and that of Africa is not being written in the Silicon Valley of Lagos or Abuja, but being written right here today in Katsina.”

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