The Federal Government is set to invest $2 billion to roll out a 90,000-kilometer fibre optic network across Nigeria. This initiative aims to increase the country’s fibre optic capacity from 35,000 km to 125,000 km, significantly boosting Nigeria’s terrestrial fibre optic backbone.
Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, shared this update during a visit to the Digital Innovation Park in Kano, which had previously been vandalized during a nationwide protest in August. Tijani emphasized that this fibre optic project will deliver meaningful connectivity to communities, enhancing the digital environment for schools, hospitals, government offices, and businesses.
He explained that the project would accelerate growth in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. Additionally, it supports the Ministry’s broader goal of expanding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
The Ministry, through the National Broadband Alliance, is working with the Kano State Government to further this vision. This collaboration simplifies private infrastructure companies’ investment process in Kano’s digital economy. Tijani highlighted that this partnership aims to make Kano a true digital hub. This will be done by connecting essential institutions like schools and hospitals to the fibre network.
The minister also mentioned the federal government’s “Three Million Technical Talent” (3MTT) program, which aims to train three million Nigerians in digital and technical skills. The program addresses the shortage of skilled professionals like software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts. Kano currently leads in participation, with over 300 young people already benefiting from the initiative.
Tijani thanked IHS Towers for their commitment to refurbishing the facility. He described the park as a symbol of Kano and Nigeria’s ambition to lead in the global digital economy.
