Tijani warns Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has said Nigeria’s data consumption has surged nearly 19-fold over the past decade, far outpacing investments in digital infrastructure, a development he identified as the root of persistent connectivity challenges across the country.Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Tijani said the Federal Government is now taking decisive steps to bridge the gap through large-scale infrastructure deployment and policy-driven innovation.According to him, “the government’s strategy goes beyond addressing immediate challenges to making long-term investments in critical infrastructure.“My role as a political appointee is not just to solve immediate problems. It is also to project into the future, knowing that the real root cause of these issues is the lack of proper investment in digital infrastructure,” Tijani said.He added: “Once we implement what President Bola Tinubu has approved, connectivity opportunities will become far more ubiquitous.“At the centre of the plan is Project Bridge, a flagship initiative designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital backbone through widespread fibre deployment, increased telecommunications towers, and improved connectivity in underserved and rural communities,” Tijani said.He revealed, “The project, estimated at about $2 billion, is being executed through a public-private partnership model, with the Federal Government providing up to 49 percent of the funding, while the private sector drives implementation.”He added, “This initiative is expected to ensure that every state, local government, and ward in Nigeria has access to reliable internet infrastructure within the next three to five years.“Today, most Nigerians consume internet delivered largely through radio and satellite technologies, which limits quality. Fibre infrastructure will significantly improve speed, reliability, and access,” he said.Beyond infrastructure, the Minister said the government is also focusing on bridging the gap between academic research and policy execution through a “Research-to-Commercialisation (R2C)” framework.Under this model, six research clusters covering key areas such as artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, connectivity, online safety, skills development, and livelihoods will receive dedicated funding to generate evidence-based solutions for Nigeria’s digital economy.Each cluster, he said, will be funded with $1.5 million over three years and involve collaboration between Nigerian universities and international institutions.“For too long, research in our universities has not translated into practical solutions. We are changing that by ensuring research directly informs policy and can be commercialised,” Tijani noted.To bridge the infrastructure gap, the government is also investing in about 3,700 telecom towers, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while working with regulators to improve service quality and consumer protection.On digital safety and inclusion, Tijani stressed the need for policies grounded in local realities, noting that access alone does not guarantee meaningful use.“There is a difference between connectivity and meaningful connectivity. We must ensure that Nigerians, regardless of age, location, or digital literacy, can truly benefit from the internet,” he said.He further disclosed that over 200 researchers will be engaged under the initiative over the next three years, describing the programme as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.“This is like planting a tree that will continue to bear fruit long after we are gone. We are building a strong foundation for Nigeria’s digital future,” he added.The Federal Government’s broader goal, according to Tijani, is to leverage digital infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and position Nigeria towards achieving a $1 trillion economy.
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