Despite some complaints from Nigerians, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has emphasized that the cost of data in Nigeria remains one of the cheapest in the world. Speaking on a live TV program on Arise, the Minister outlined the Ministry’s focus on improving the quality of services provided by telecommunications service providers and expanding broadband coverage throughout the country.
To achieve these goals, the Ministry is implementing the National Broadband Plan, which aims to deploy 95,000 fiber cables across Nigeria and target a 70% broadband penetration by 2025.
Dr. Bosun Tijani discussed the four pillars guiding the Ministry’s efforts to transform the nation’s economy with technology:
- Knowhow: The Ministry aims to build a strong workforce capable of applying technology effectively. Recognizing the global shortage of technology talent, the goal is to leverage Nigeria’s youthful population and potentially become a net exporter of technology talent.
- Policy: The Ministry seeks to reimagine government policies as tools that not only regulate but also open up the economy for technological innovation. This involves partnerships between ministries to drive technology application across various sectors.
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- Infrastructure: Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is considered one of the best on the continent. While acknowledging the importance of improving data quality and affordability, the Ministry is committed to expanding broadband coverage. The goal is to lay 95,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables and achieve 70% broadband penetration within the first four years.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: This pillar focuses on increasing the availability of local and patent capital that startups can access. The i-DICE program, with an investment of nearly $600 million, aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. The goal is to enable Nigerian startups not only to serve the local market but also to export their solutions, thereby contributing to the country’s foreign earnings.
The Ministry’s comprehensive approach reflects its commitment to advancing technology and digital innovation in Nigeria, with a strong emphasis on human capital development, supportive policies, improved infrastructure, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
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