…commissions Korea-funded information access centre in Abuja

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Federal Government has outlined plans for large-scale job creation in the digital economy, as it commissioned the Nigeria-Korea Information Access Centre (IAC), funded by the Korean government.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Abuja, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to digital infrastructure and technological advancements to drive economic growth and efficient service delivery.

“As a country, we recognize that we are one of the fastest-growing nations in the world. The best low-hanging fruit for us is Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT). Not only does it offer economic prosperity, but it also empowers our people to contribute meaningfully on a global scale.”

Tijani highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is focused on achieving a $1 trillion economy, stressing that investments like the IAC would accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data, while also creating job opportunities for young Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, stated that the IAC would provide youth, entrepreneurs, and professionals with access to cutting-edge digital tools, research facilities, and training programs to equip them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“This Centre embodies President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes digital technologies for socioeconomic development. It is designed to expand digital literacy, bridge the digital divide, and serve as a launchpad for groundbreaking innovations.”

Maida called on government agencies, industry leaders, and academia to leverage the Centre for maximum impact, ensuring that it benefits underserved communities and enhances digital inclusion.

Speaking on the Centre’s significance, the President/CEO of DBI, Mr. David Dasser, described it as “more than a building but a bridge connecting Nigeria to the world.”

“The Nigeria-Korea IAC aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) by promoting digital inclusion, fostering AI expertise, and supporting research and innovation in areas such as IoT, Big Data, and cybersecurity.”

He emphasized that the Centre would support e-governance, facilitate citizen engagement, and develop a skilled workforce ready to compete in the global digital economy.

Dasser acknowledged the South Korean government, the Nigerian government, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support in bringing the IAC project to life, reinforcing Nigeria’s vision for a digitally inclusive and technologically advanced future.