On Wednesday, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, praised the Federal Government’s plan to roll out 9,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across the country.
While clarifying that he is “not an admirer of President Bola Tinubu’s administration” as many already know, he nonetheless lauded the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, for what he described as an excellent performance worthy of recognition.
El-Rufai shared his views while speaking at the Arewa Tech Fest 2.0 held in Katsina. He expressed optimism that the minister’s strategies and initiatives would be successfully executed to benefit the entire nation. According to him, Nigeria’s progress hinges on developing a high-speed communications network.
As the convener of the Arewa Tech Fest 2.0, hosted by the Katsina State government at the Continental Events Center, El-Rufai noted that the AI strategy in place is a well-structured one. However, he stressed the importance of quick implementation, adding that the world, in his words, “is waiting for no one.”
“I would like to commend the minister for a job well done so far in service of the country. I want to thank the minister, I am not an admirer of the president Bola Tinubu administration as you all know but the minister Bosun Tijjani is doing an excellent job in his space and we must recognize it and commend him, my hope and prayer is that all his beautiful thoughts, strategies and plans be implemented for the benefit of Nigeria. This country cannot achieve its full potential unless we have a rapid communications network. The 9,000 kilometers of fiber optic that the Federal Government intends to deploy is a very commendable step. The AI strategy is well thought out, the challenge is to get it implemented as soon as possible because the world is waiting for no one,” El-Rufai said.
At the event, Minister Bosun Tijani announced that the Federal Government is preparing to invest in 70,000 telecommunications towers, with more than 80 percent of them planned for locations in the Northern region. He emphasized that the intention is to close the connectivity gap and position Nigeria as Africa’s most inclusive digital economy, ensuring that no community is left behind.
The minister further mentioned that the 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable the government aims to lay across the country stands as one of its most substantial digital infrastructure projects. He said that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, his ministry has prioritized foundational efforts designed to drive national productivity.
“This tech festival today is not just an event, it has a strong signal from Katsina, the Arewa States and a signal that Arewa is ready. I therefore challenge participants, particularly the innovators in the room, that you don’t need to move to Lagos or Abuja to be successful, all you need is also not to wait for formation, because all you need is yourself and your formation. We are building a Nigeria that works for everyone in a nation where being born in Katsina or Kano is not at the disadvantage but a strategic advantage. The future of Nigeria and that of Africa is not being written in the silicon valley of Lagos or Abuja but being written right here today in Katsina,” he said.
What you should know
Nasir El-Rufai, though openly critical of the current administration, praised Minister Bosun Tijani for leading digital infrastructure efforts.
The government’s planned rollout of fiber optics and telecom towers seeks to improve nationwide connectivity and support inclusive digital growth, especially in Northern Nigeria.
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