By Chimezie Godfrey
The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has clarified remarks he made during a recent interview on Channels Television following public discussions.
In a statement issued on Monday, Dr Tijani urged Nigerians to watch the full interview, noting that it focused largely on the progress and impact of the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
“Over the past two days, there has been significant public discussion around a comment I made during an interview on Channels Television. I would like to clarify the intention behind that part of the conversation and encourage everyone to watch the full interview, which was largely focused on the progress and impact of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme,” he said.
Explaining the context of his remarks, the minister said he was highlighting how gaps in digital infrastructure and connectivity in some parts of the country pose development and security concerns.
“In responding to a question during the interview, my objective was to explain that gaps in digital infrastructure and connectivity in some parts of the country represent a development and security vulnerability. These gaps limit economic opportunity, restrict access to services, and weaken coordination and inclusion,” Dr Tijani stated.
He stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is addressing these challenges through historic investments in digital infrastructure.
“This is precisely why the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making historic investments in digital infrastructure to ensure no part of Nigeria is left behind,” he added.
According to him, the initiatives include Project Bridge, a 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic backbone, the deployment of 3,700 telecom towers to unserved communities, and the strengthening of NIGCOMSAT through satellite replacement and the launch of two additional communication satellites.
“Together, these investments will deepen connectivity across the country, strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, and ensure that digital infrastructure contributes meaningfully to economic prosperity, inclusion, and national development,” the minister said.
Channels Interview: Minister Clarifies Comments, Reaffirms Tinubu’s Digital Infrastructure Drive
