Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved two significant initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure.
The first initiative, the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project, seeks to provide connectivity to over 21 million people in underserved communities across 4,834 rural areas.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted that expanding mobile connectivity is crucial for improving the quality of life in these underserved areas.
He also noted that the project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) funding model, leveraging the expertise and resources of private sector partners to accelerate the expansion of digital services.
Complementing Project Bridge, the project follows the government’s ambitious plan to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable nationwide aligning with the Infrastructure pillar of the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint, which aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance the overall quality of life for Nigerians.
The second initiative, the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust, aims to position Nigeria as a global leader in AI innovation.
According to the minister, the initiative will foster the development and ethical use of AI technologies, driving job creation, economic expansion, and social advancements.
The National AI Trust will comprise 10 AI experts, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, and the Minister of Science, Innovation & Technology further aligning with the federal government’s broader goals of enhancing connectivity, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive growth.
This trust is also expected to future-proof investments in AI across key sectors of the economy, recognizing the transformative power of AI in driving economic growth and social advancements.
In August 2023, the government unveiled its first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which outlines a comprehensive framework for leveraging AI for national development and this new establishment builds on earlier efforts to foster inclusive AI ecosystem.
These projects’ approval is a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions and by expanding digital access and promoting innovation, the country will drive economic growth, enhance global competitiveness, and create a more inclusive digital future.
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