Two years after taking the oath of office as Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani has rolled out the achievements of his ministry, describing the journey so far as a testament to Nigeria’s potential to build a strong, inclusive digital economy.
the minister said he remains grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, stressing that serving in the role has been “the highest honour” of his life. Tijani noted that the blueprint set at the start of his tenure — focused on connectivity, innovation, and digital inclusion — has guided the ministry’s performance.
At the heart of the administration’s strategy has been the training of young Nigerians for opportunities in the global digital economy. Tijani disclosed that 125,000 young people have been trained under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, a flagship initiative designed to create a steady pipeline of skilled tech professionals. In addition, another 225,000 Nigerians have acquired digital literacy skills, equipping them with basic competencies required to function in today’s increasingly digital society. Secondary school students have also been targeted through initiatives like the Builda-thon Programme, while the Girls in ICT scheme has been a platform to encourage female participation in science and technology. “These efforts are not just about statistics,” Tijani explained. “They are about building confidence, expanding opportunities, and giving every young Nigerian the tools to shape their future.”
Beyond skills development, the ministry has also turned its attention to the critical issue of connectivity. Tijani argued that access to the internet is no longer just an infrastructure question, but “the lifeline of a modern society.” He outlined several flagship connectivity projects, including Project BRIDGE, which involves the deployment of 90,000km of fibre optic cable to link every state, local government, and ward in Nigeria. He also disclosed that under Project 774, NigComSat satellites are being used to connect all local government secretariats across the country, while the Fibre to Hostels Initiative is ensuring that students in tertiary institutions can access high-speed internet directly from their hostels.
As part of rural inclusion, the ministry has piloted connectivity in Kura community, Abuja, which Tijani described as “the first step” in an ambitious plan to install 7,000 new telecom towers that will bring more than 20 million unserved and underserved Nigerians online.
The minister further highlighted the administration’s push to make Nigeria a continental leader in innovation and emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence. According to him, the government has co-created a National AI Strategy, funded 45 Nigerian AI startups, and supported 10 demonstration projects showcasing how AI can address real-life challenges in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, security, and education. To support grassroots innovation, the government has also invested in digital innovation infrastructure, from the Digital Innovation Park in Kano to over 100 computer facilities nationwide. These centres, Tijani explained, are designed to provide young innovators with the tools, platforms, and communities to collaborate and build solutions.
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Another major plank of the ministry’s achievements is the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s public sector service delivery. Through the DevsInGovernment programme, civil servants are being trained in digital skills to deliver faster, more transparent services to citizens. Similarly, the Digital Public Infrastructure initiative is being deployed to simplify access to government services such as passports, licenses, and business registrations. The minister also disclosed that efforts are underway to transform NIPOST from a traditional postal service into a modern platform for e-commerce, agro-logistics, digital banking, and nationwide delivery. “Every Nigerian, whether in a city or a hamlet, deserves to feel connected,” Tijani said, stressing that digital access must serve as an enabler for both commerce and governance.
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Tijani credited the progress made so far to strong collaboration with the private sector, the National Assembly, and everyday Nigerians who have embraced the vision of a digital economy. He outlined the ministry’s next phase of focus to include protecting the data of Nigerian citizens, strengthening Nigeria’s AI ecosystem and global competitiveness, expanding global market access for Nigerian startups, and securing Nigeria’s place as a key voice in shaping the global digital economy. “As we look forward, our focus remains on protecting your data, building Nigeria’s leadership in AI, opening global markets to our startups, and ensuring that Nigeria has a strong voice in shaping the future of the digital economy,” Tijani affirmed.
The minister concluded on a note of gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, whom he credited for providing “support, vision, and rare leadership” that made it possible to lay a foundation for Nigeria’s digital transformation. “My fellow Nigerians, serving you has been the greatest privilege of my life,” Tijani declared. “The work is far from done, but every day convinces me more that our best days are ahead — together.”
