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Federal Government announces groundbreaking initiatives to expand connectivity and strengthen AI development.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved two major initiatives under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy. These are the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project and the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust.
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Two strategic projects, they mark a significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and expanding connectivity infrastructure. Equally important, it positions the country as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation.
Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project: Connecting 21 Million Nigerians
The Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project is designed to provide mobile communication access to over 21 million people across 4,834 unconnected communities, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
This initiative will be funded through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It will be leveraging private sector investments to accelerate the deployment of critical telecommunications infrastructure.
Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, commented on the significance of the project.
“Access to connectivity is a service that many of us take for granted. Delivering additional base stations to serve unconnected and underserved areas will ultimately enhance the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.”
The Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project complements the government’s existing Project Bridge, a 90,000km Fiber Fund initiative. This is aimed at expanding broadband connectivity nationwide. Together, these initiatives will significantly enhance digital inclusion, economic opportunities, and access to essential online services.
National AI Trust: A First-of-Its-Kind Global AI Governance Initiative
The Federal Executive Council has also approved the creation of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust, an initiative hailed as the first of its kind globally.
The AI Trust will comprise 10 AI experts, along with the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and the Minister of Science, Innovation & Technology. The Trust’s mandate includes:
- Mobilizing resources to drive AI research, development, and commercialization.
- Providing oversight to ensure ethical and responsible AI deployment.
- Guiding AI policy and innovation to future-proof Nigeria’s investment in AI across key sectors.
Dr. Tijani highlighted the Trust’s role in fostering AI adoption, driving job creation, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI):
“The National AI Trust will help future-proof our investment in AI across key economic sectors, recognizing the transformative power of AI in accelerating digital innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness.”
Driving Nigeria’s Digital Economy Forward
With these new approvals, the Tinubu administration continues to prioritise digital infrastructure and emerging technologies as critical drivers of economic prosperity and national development. The government’s commitment to connectivity expansion and AI leadership aligns with the goals of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) and Nigeria’s AI Strategy Roadmap.
These approvals reaffirm Nigeria’s determination to bridge the digital divide. It also empower its youth with future-ready skills, and position itself as a tech hub in Africa and beyond.
