FEC Launches New AI and Connectivity Programs for Nigeria’s Digital Growth

The Nigerian government during the mid week at the FEC weekly meetings approved two significant projects to close the digital divide and to develop Nigeria’s digital economy, increase rural mobile connectivity, and establish Nigeria as a leader in artificial intelligence. This is a major step toward improving digital access and fostering technological innovation that were authorized by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which is led by President Bola Tinubu.

The two projects, the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project and the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust, aim to increase connectivity to underserved communities and establish Nigeria as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), according to Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, who made the announcement following the meeting.

He stated that the Nigerian Universal Communication Access Project was established on a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) finance model with approval from the FEC.

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy announced the establishment that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has granted the approval for the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project, a strategic initiative under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) funding model. Designed to complement Project Bridge, Nigeria’s ambitious 90,000km Fibre Fund, this project will extend mobile network coverage to over 21 million people across 4,834 remote communities currently lacking basic telecommunications infrastructure. By deploying additional base stations in underserved regions, the initiative aims to enhance connectivity and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.

According to him, this project supports Project Bridge, the government’s ambitious aim to install 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable throughout the country, and is in line with the Infrastructure pillar of the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint.

The Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project, Tijani added, intends to link more than 21 million people in 4,834 communities that do not currently have access to basic mobile communications, especially in rural and isolated locations.

These approvals mark a significant step in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, reinforcing its role as a leader in connectivity and emerging technologies. The FEC’s approval of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust, the first initiative of its kind globally, has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s vision to become a global AI powerhouse. The AI Trust will mobilize resources, oversee AI development, and ensure strategic investments in AI-driven innovation. This move highlights the government’s commitment to using AI as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and increased foreign direct investment, ensuring Nigeria stays at the forefront of the digital revolution.

“A lot of us take connectivity for granted, so adding more base stations to serve unserved and underserved areas will ultimately help improve the quality of life for more of our fellow citizens,” he stated.

The government’s dedication to closing the digital gap and guaranteeing that all citizens, wherever they may be, have access to basic communication services is demonstrated by this effort.

The program aims to speed the deployment of vital infrastructure by attracting private sector investment through the use of a PPP model.

Additionally, the FEC authorized the creation of the first-ever National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust in the world.

The Honourable Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology, the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, and ten AI specialists will make up the Trust, the Minister said.

The National AI Trust is in charge of organizing funds, supervising, and directing AI research in Nigeria.

One of its responsibilities is to make sure Nigeria’s AI investments are both strategically aligned with the nation’s economic objectives and future-proof.

The Trust will be essential in utilizing AI’s revolutionary potential to create jobs, draw in foreign direct investment, and establish Nigeria as a prominent voice in the world of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Tijani emphasized how crucial AI is to fostering innovation in important economic sectors including healthcare, agriculture, education, and finance.

These approvals, according to Dr. Tijani, show the Tinubu administration’s dedication to using innovation and technology to boost Nigerians’ prosperity.

He asserts that the government hopes to establish a more inclusive digital economy that empowers people and promotes sustainable growth by giving connection infrastructure and AI development top priority.

The Minister reaffirmed that the Ministry’s larger plan to capitalize on the potential of the digital economy depends on these activities.

In May of last year, the FEC authorized the creation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to help lay 90,000 kilometers of fibre cable around the nation as part of efforts to improve connectivity.

The project, which is anticipated to begin this year, is anticipated to lower internet connection costs by more than 60% and increase internet penetration in Nigeria to over 70%.

According to Tijani, the initiative will enable Nigeria to include at least 50% of the 33 million Nigerians who do not currently have internet connection.

Additionally, it is anticipated to generate up to 1.5% GDP growth per capita, increasing GDP over the following four years from $472.6 billion in 2022 to $502 billion.