- IAC Will Drive Huge Job Opportunities In Digital Space, AI – Minister, NCC, DBI
THE DIGITAL Bridge Institute (DBI) has launched the Nigeria-Korea Information Access Centre (IAC), in a significant move towards Nigeria’s digital transformation, that would invariably unlock opportunities in digital space and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The move is to drive huge job creation in the digital space, bridge the digital divide, foster innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and emerging technologies, and position Nigeria as a hub in Africa’s digital economy.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, commissioned the IAC, fully funded by the Korean Government, at the headquarters of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Abuja recently.
Speaking at the commissioning, Dr Tijani expressed the plans of the Federal Government for massive job creation in the digital economy, and pointed out that the Nigerian Government was investing heavily on digital infrastructure and technologies that would also help deliver government services more efficiently.
The minister emphasized that Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa must take the lead in leveraging digital technology for national development. He said “it has also been projected that for the future of work, Nigeria is going to be one of the destinations. So many people will look to Nigeria and this is why the President is extremely investing in anything that has to do with empowering young people. And we also recognize that one of the low hanging fruits for us is in ICT.”
According to him, the centre is a major prerequisite for strengthening Nigeria’s economy as President Bola Tinubu and his team continue to work towards achieving a $1 trillion economy in a few years.
He said: “As a country, we recognize that we are 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, it also offers us a significant chance to empower our people and ensure that they can contribute meaningfully to the world.
“So, as a nation, we are putting significant investment in building both our digital infrastructure and technologies that will also help us deliver government services more efficiently.
“We see this as a major prerequisite for strengthening our economy; as you already know, the President and the team is 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.
“So, your investment in DBI today is a contribution to this objective, because through this investment, not only are we able to accelerate the application of modern and emerging technology like Artificial Intelligence, it will also give us a chance to start to provide meaningful opportunities for our young people.”
The minister highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure to ensure that Nigeria becomes a global player in information technology.
He added: “Through this investment, not only are we able to accelerate the application of modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence, but it also gives us the chance to start to provide meaningful opportunities for our young people.”
The President and CEO of DBI, Mr. David Daser, described the centre as a bridge to opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and professionals; adding that the project aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), as well as President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aim is to drive digital literacy, job creation, and technological advancement.
“This Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including AI development labs, digital training rooms, an e-resource library, and a mobile IAC. It is a hub where knowledge knows no borders, and innovation transcends limitations,” Daser said.
The DBI President hinted that the project was also in line with the 3MTT initiative of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, adding, “the Nigeria-Korea IAC is the culmination of a bold vision, a vision to bridge the digital divide, empower our citizens, and position Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy.”
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida said the IAC will give the youth, entrepreneurs, and professionals access to cutting-edge digital tools, research facilities, and training, equipping them to thrive in today’s Fourth Industrial Revolution, where AI, Big Data, and IoT are reshaping the world.
According to him, the IAC is a practical embodiment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes leveraging digital technologies to drive socioeconomic development, productivity, and inclusive growth across Nigeria.
Dr. Maida said: “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. As we officially commission this facility today, I call upon all stakeholders- government agencies, industry players, academia, and international partners- to maximize the potential of this 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.
“We remain fully committed to creating regulatory frameworks and instruments 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”
The Ambassador, Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Mr. Kim Pan kyu, said the AIC will play a critical role in further transforming Nigeria’s digital potential into reality, even as he reiterated that Korea is stands with Nigeria to support its digital transformation through the Korea International Cooperation Agency KOICA.
He said, “to facilitate Nigeria’s transition to e-government, Korea has been implementing an ODA project worth 13 million dollars from 2020 to 2026. To enhance multimedia education for primary and secondary schools, Korea has invested 10 million dollars in an ODA from 2021 to this year.”
Mr. Kim Pan kyu said that Nigeria stands as the Largest economy and the most populous country in Africa and demonstrating its significant potential in the digital sector and promised that his country will continue to support Nigeria in her journey for digital transformation.
“I trust that the ongoing projects will continue to enhance Nigeria’s digital capabilities for future generations. Korea and Nigeria have fostered deeper mutual understanding and friendship for the past 45 years,” the Korean Ambassador said.
