Posted on:

October 15, 2024

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani Visits Vandalised NCC Digital Innovation Park in Kano; Announces IHS Towers Support to Refurbish Facility

HM Kano Tour

The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani yesterday visited the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Digital Innovation Park in Kano which was vandalised during a protest in May. The visit marks a significant step toward the restoration of this essential facility, which was designated to facilitate the Ministry’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, providing digital and technical skills training to millions of youths.

During his address, the Honourable Minister announced the support of IHS Towers to undertake the complete refurbishment of the Digital Innovation Park. According to him, the facility stands as a critical hub for innovation, and is a symbol of Kano’s and Nigeria’s ambition to be leaders in the global digital economy.

In his speech, Dr. Tijani remarked:

It is a great honour to stand before you today on this significant occasion as we announce the support from IHS Towers to refurbish the Digital Innovation Park in Kano, which was unfortunately damaged in recent protests. This park is more than just a building—it is a symbol of Kano’s, and indeed Nigeria’s, aspirations to be at the forefront of the global digital economy. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to IHS for their unwavering commitment to rebuilding this critical hub of innovation.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of digital transformation in reshaping industries across the globe, from agriculture and healthcare to education and finance, and stressed that Nigeria’s investment in digital infrastructure must be matched by the cultivation of digital talent.

He pointed to the more than 6,000 young people from Kano currently benefiting from the 3MTT Programme, which aims to train three million Nigerians in digital and technical skills:

I am proud to say that Kano State has the highest number of participants in this programme. These young people represent the future, not only of Nigeria but of the global digital workforce.”

The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s digital backbone, announcing a $2 billion investment to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic network across the country, providing meaningful connectivity to all communities, including schools, hospitals, and businesses.

It is a great honour to stand before you today on this significant occasion as we announce the support from IHS Towers to refurbish the Digital Innovation Park in Kano, which was unfortunately damaged in recent protests. This park is more than just a building—it is a symbol of Kano’s, and indeed Nigeria’s, aspirations to be at the forefront of the global digital economy. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to IHS for their unwavering commitment to rebuilding this critical hub of innovation.

He further outlined plans to collaborate with the Kano State Government to facilitate private investment in the state’s digital economy through the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), as well as the launch of Project 774 LG Connectivity initiative, which will use satellite technology to connect local government secretariats across Kano.

Minister Tijani closed his speech with a vision for Nigeria’s future in the digital age:

“As we move forward, we must remember that the future is digital. Through investment in infrastructure, skills, and partnerships, we can position Kano, and Nigeria, to lead in the digital age. Let us continue to work together, harnessing the power of technology and innovation, to build a brighter, more prosperous future for our country.

The Honourable Minister and the Kano State Government expressed their shared commitment to seeing the NCC Digital Innovation Park restored to full operation. The Ministry remains dedicated to providing necessary resources for the 3MTT programme and other key initiatives towards accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy. 

Isime Esene

Office of the Honourable Minister

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