The Federal Government has called on state governments and stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital economy to harness the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to foster economic growth, stimulate innovation, and enhance governance frameworks.
Delivering this message at the 12th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in Makurdi, Benue State, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, emphasized the directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to leverage digital technology for national progress.
Accelerating AI Adoption
Dr. Tijani outlined the Ministry’s commitment to advancing AI integration, focusing on:
– Enhancing digital infrastructure and building human capital.
– Identifying and addressing policy gaps.
– Showcasing innovative AI solutions for sustainable development.
– Encouraging partnerships across public and private sectors.
He highlighted AI’s potential to revolutionize critical sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, and agriculture. However, he cautioned that success hinges on investing in robust IT infrastructure, high-speed networking systems, and specialized human resources.
Infrastructure Investments
The Minister announced a landmark project involving the deployment of 90,000km of fibre optic cables nationwide through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) initiative, backed by an investment exceeding $1 billion. He urged stakeholders to support enabling policies, including easing access to Right of Way (RoW), to ensure successful implementation.
“Building the right infrastructure is essential to unlocking AI’s full potential for national development,” the Minister stated, calling for collaborative efforts to drive innovation.
State Governor’s Commitment
Addressing the council, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State, lauded the federal government’s emphasis on digital transformation. He noted the Council meeting’s significance in fostering strategic exchanges to position Nigeria as Africa’s digital hub.
“Digitalization is central to economic transformation, offering avenues for stakeholders to explore and implement cutting-edge solutions,” the Governor remarked, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to supporting federal efforts in digital inclusion, startup growth, and infrastructure development.
Call to Action
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Comfort H. Labirwa, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, urged council members to prioritize implementing resolutions aimed at advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration among government entities, private sector players, and civil society, reinforcing the transformative goals of the Tinubu administration’s digital blueprint.
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