In a significant move to enhance Nigeria’s digital landscape, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, & Digital Economy has announced two major initiatives following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These announcements are contained in a LinkedIn post made by the Honorable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, on Tuesday.
The first initiative is the establishment of the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project, approved under a private-public partnership (PPP) funding model. This project aims to address the connectivity gap affecting over 21 million Nigerians living in 4,834 communities, particularly in remote rural areas where basic mobile communication access is lacking. It complements the ongoing Project Bridge, which focuses on expanding the country’s fibre network over 90,000 kilometres. By deploying additional base stations in unserved and underserved areas, the initiative seeks to improve the quality of life for many citizens who currently lack reliable communication services.
It will be recalled that Tech Parrot had earlier published that Nigeria Launches $2 Billion Fibre Optic Expansion to Boost Digital Economy.
The second major announcement is the creation of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s ambition to become a leader in AI technology. According the Dr. ‘Tijani, this trust will be the first of its kind globally and will comprise 10 AI experts, along withhimself and the Honourable Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology. The National AI Trust will be tasked with mobilising resources, providing oversight, and guiding the development of AI in Nigeria, ensuring that the country harnesses the transformative potential of this technology. The initiative aims to future-proof investments in AI across key sectors of the economy, fostering job creation and attracting foreign direct investment.
These announcements reflect President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to prioritising connectivity infrastructure and advancing artificial intelligence, recognising the critical role these sectors play in driving economic prosperity for the Nigerian populace. As the country moves forward with these initiatives, the government aims to bridge the digital divide and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global technology landscape.