FG Targets Massive Job Creation in ICT
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has unveiled plans to create jobs in the digital economy as it commissions the Nigeria-Korea Information Access Centre (IAC). Funded by the Korean government, the centre was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Abuja.
During the commissioning, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to investing in digital infrastructure and technologies to drive economic growth and improve government service delivery. He described the IAC as a critical step toward achieving President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy.
“As a country, we recognize that we are one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. We also recognize that the best low-hanging fruit for us is in information, communication, and technology. Not only does it provide us the opportunity to drive economic prosperity in our country, but it also offers us a significant chance to empower our people and ensure that they can contribute meaningfully to the world,” Tijani said.
He added that the government is making significant investments in digital infrastructure and technologies to enhance efficiency in public service delivery. “We see this as a major prerequisite for strengthening our economy. As you already know, the President and the team are working extremely hard to take the Nigerian economy to $1 trillion in a few years. We are already the largest economy in Africa, but our hope and aspiration is that we can better contribute to the development of the world, not just Africa.”
The minister highlighted the potential of the IAC to accelerate the adoption of modern and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) while creating meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians. “Your investment in DBI today is a contribution to this objective. Through this investment, not only are we able to accelerate the application of modern and emerging technology like AI, but it will also give us a chance to start providing meaningful opportunities for our young people,” he said.
In his keynote address, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, described the IAC as a practical embodiment of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that the centre would provide youth, entrepreneurs, and professionals with access to cutting-edge digital tools, research facilities, and training to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where AI, Big Data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping the global economy.
“This Information Access Centre complements those efforts by providing a platform for learning, research, and innovation. It is part of a broader commitment to capacity-building and learning initiatives in digital technologies,” Maida said.
He called on stakeholders, including government agencies, industry players, academia, and international partners, to maximize the potential of the centre. “The Digital Bridge Institute, with the support of NCC and the NIA, must ensure that access to this centre reaches underserved communities, expands digital literacy, and serves as a launchpad for groundbreaking innovations. In doing so, we can ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in our digital transformation agenda.”
Maida reiterated the NCC’s commitment to creating regulatory frameworks that encourage investment in digital infrastructure, enhance innovation, and promote digital inclusion. “The future we envision for Nigeria is one where digital access is universal, opportunities are limitless, and our economy is driven by knowledge and technology,” he added.
In his welcome address, the President/CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute, Mr. David Dasser, described the IAC as a bridge connecting Nigeria to the world and linking dreams to opportunities. He noted that the centre aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which envisions a Nigeria where digital technology drives innovation, creates jobs, and bridges the gap between the connected and the unconnected.
Dasser outlined the centre’s role in supporting national priorities, including promoting digital inclusion, fostering AI and emerging tech expertise, supporting research and innovation, enabling e-government services, and developing sustainable ecosystems for digital transformation.
“At Digital Bridge Institute, our mission is to bridge the digital divide by developing world-class functional ICT talent. The IAC is a tangible step toward that goal, providing a hub where students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and enthusiasts can develop the critical digital skills that will power Nigeria’s Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.
Dasser expressed gratitude to the South Korean government, the Nigerian government, and other stakeholders for their support in realizing the project.
The commissioning of the Nigeria-Korea IAC marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, offering hope for massive job creation and economic growth through ICT.
