In a statement released on Thursday, the President’s Special Advisor on Media and Public Relations, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed that Tinubu made this known during a meeting with a delegation from Expansion Platforms Incorporated, led by Sir Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and Expansion’s President of Global Affairs, at the Presidential Palace in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu has emphasized his administration’s commitment to investing in digital technology to improve the sustainability of small enterprises, broaden opportunities across various sectors, and propel Nigeria to the forefront of communication technology in Africa.
A press release on Thursday, issued by the President’s Special Advisor on Media and Public Relations, Ajuri Ngelale, indicated that Tinubu made this revelation while receiving a delegation from Expansion Platforms Incorporated, headed by Sir Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and Expansion’s President of Global Affairs, at the Presidential Palace in Abuja.
As per the statement, President Tinubu underscored that Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in this era of technological progress. He added that his administration is creating avenues for growth in information and communications technology while also enhancing capabilities.
Regarding his administration’s 3MTT initiative, aimed at educating three million Nigerian youths in digital technology and essential skills before deploying them to innovation centers nationwide, the President stressed that Nigerian youths are the most crucial resource in Nigeria’s pursuit of digital economic expansion, as quoted by the presidential spokesperson.
“In Nigeria, we possess a dynamic, talented, and resourceful youth population. Recognizing that the future will likely be AI-driven, we must prepare our youth and equip them to compete and engage in the global economy.
“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business. We aspire to lead the African continent in digital technology. Data is integral to our development. We are prepared to collaborate on technological advancements. It is the only way forward. We require a partnership that will benefit all parties,” stated the President.
Highlighting the significance of technology in bolstering small enterprises, the President reiterated his commitment to ensuring that technology is utilized to stimulate growth across a vast number of micro-businesses, thereby fostering widespread prosperity in the long run.
“What captures my interest is the utilization of technology in the advancement of small businesses. We need to create a more favorable business environment for you and ensure profitability for us as well. I trust we can collaborate and continue to advance our mutual interests,” President Tinubu conveyed to the delegation.
In his introductory remarks, Clegg expressed gratitude to the President for issuing an executive order that facilitated the arrival of the Expansion-backed deep-sea cable in Nigeria.
“It is an exceptional infrastructure initiative. Upon its launch in the first quarter of 2025, it will possess twice the capacity of all existing subsea cables combined. We buried the cable 50% deeper than any other subsea cables beneath the seabed. It boasts greater power and wider geographical coverage. It has the potential to generate up to $37 billion in increased economic activity over the next two or three years throughout the African continent,” he remarked.
