By Adedapo Adesanya
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, has announced plans by the federal government to invest $2 billion to deploy a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic project in the country.
He revealed this when he visited Kano State on Monday on a tour of the vandalised digital innovation park of the National Communications Commission during the nationwide protest in August.
According to him, the move is to expand Nigeria’s fibre optic cable capacity from 35,000km to 125,000km and to boost the terrestrial fibre optic backbone in the country.
He also noted that the investment would ensure meaningful connectivity to communities, hospitals, and businesses, including agriculture.
“To support this vision the Ministry of Communications, innovations, and Digital Economy is committed to deepening Nigeria’s 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. This partnership will facilitate further investment in connectivity, ensuring that Kano becomes a true digital hub,” he said.
The Minister said further that today’s world technology is the key to unlocking productivity and ensuring the diversification of Nigeria’s economy and that Kano has the highest number of participants with over 300 young people.
“This 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.”
The minister while commending the IHS towers for their commitment towards rebuilding the park, also addressed the rumours of relocating the park from Kano, that the building will remain in Kano State as a symbol of Kano and Nigeria’s aspiration to be at the forefront of the global digital economy for a prosperous future.