President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering digital innovation and expanding opportunities across sectors to position Nigeria as a leading hub of information and communications technology (ICT) in Africa. His remarks came during a meeting with a delegation from Meta Platforms Incorporated, led by Sir Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and Meta’s President of Global Affairs, at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.
In a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s imperative to embrace technological advancements, stressing the importance of leveraging ICT to deepen capacity and forge strategic partnerships. Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, is poised to play a significant role in this endeavor.
Highlighting the administration’s flagship 3MTT programme, aimed at training three million Nigerian youths in digital technology and essential skills, President Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of the nation’s youth in driving digital economic expansion. Recognizing the inevitable AI-driven future, he emphasized the necessity of preparing Nigerian youths to compete and thrive in the global economy.
Expressing Nigeria’s readiness to lead the African continent in digital technology, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of collaboration for mutual benefit. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to deploying technology to catalyze growth, particularly in driving small businesses and fostering mass prosperity.
Sir Nick Clegg, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his executive order facilitating the landing of a Meta-backed deep-sea cable in Nigeria. This transformative infrastructure project, set to be operational by the first quarter of 2025, promises to significantly enhance connectivity and spur economic activities across Africa.
Sir Clegg also announced Meta’s plans to introduce a monetization feature on its Instagram app in June 2024, enabling Nigerian creators to earn a living through their content on the platform. He emphasized the importance of deepening partnerships with Nigeria to realize the full potential of such initiatives.
Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, reiterated the critical role of Meta platforms in Nigeria and emphasized the importance of partnerships and engagement in promoting development within the digital economy sector. He underscored the need to harness digital technology to connect Africa and contribute to global development.
As Nigeria advances its digital transformation agenda, collaborations with global partners like Meta hold the promise of unlocking new opportunities and driving inclusive growth, ultimately positioning the nation as a beacon of innovation and prosperity on the African continent.