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Nigeria's digital economy ambitions get government backing

By , ITWeb
Nigeria , 05 Feb 2025
Dr Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s comms minister (Picture credit: Twitter/X).
Dr Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s comms minister (Picture credit: Twitter/X).

Nigeria is set to establish Universal Communication Access Project, under a Private-Public Partnership funding model.

The project, which complements Project Bridge (Nigeria’s 90,000km Fibre Fund) will aim to connect over 21 million people across 4,834 communities in Nigeria that lack the most basic mobile communications access, particularly in remote rural areas.

“Access to connectivity is a service that many of us take for granted, so delivering additional base stations to cater to unserved and underserved areas will ultimately contribute to improving quality of life for more of our fellow citizens,” said Bosun Tijani, minister of communications and digital economy of Nigeria.

The move comes West African country is making strides towards boosting its digital economy after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday endorsed plans proposed by Tijani’s ministry.

Secondly, the FEC approval the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust, with Tijani, saying: “Our commitment to position Nigeria as a leading voice in Artificial Intelligence received a significant boost with the approval.”

He explained that the National AI Trust, which will be the first of its kind globally, will consist of 10 AI experts as well as himself and the minister of science, innovation and technology.

“Its mandate will be to mobilise resources, provide oversight and guide the development of AI in Nigeria. The Trust will also help future proof our investment in AI across key sectors of the economy, in recognition of the transformative power of the technology in driving job creation and attracting foreign direct investment,” Tijani said.

He added: “As we continue to prioritise connectivity infrastructure and AI, these approvals are further indication of the recognition by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of the importance of our sector to accelerating prosperity for our people.”

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