News Investigators/ President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday inaugurated the newly reconstructed Digital Industrial Park in Kano.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that the inauguration came nearly a year after it was destroyed by protesters during the nationwide #end bad governance protest in August 2024.
The park, located in the heart of Kano metropolis, was vandalised during the protest that engulfed major Nigerian cities, leaving public and private infrastructure in ruins.
The president, who was represented by Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said restoration of the park demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to rebuilding and expanding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
According to him, the facility will serve as a hub for innovation, digital entrepreneurship and technology-driven job creation in Northern Nigeria.
“This facility symbolises our resilience and determination to transform Nigeria into a global digital economy.
“The park is equipped with ultra-modern facilities, including co-working spaces, incubation hubs and high-speed internet, aimed at supporting start-ups, researchers and investors,” he said.
The president said the federal government would work closely with the private sector and academic institutions to ensure sustainability of the project.
He also commended the project partners, including IHS Towers, MTN and Airtel, for their support in completing the project.
Earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr Aminu Maida, described the initiative as a landmark project that underscored government’s commitment to driving ICT innovation, enhancing research and fostering the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
He said the facility reflects the administration’s vision of using technology as a key driver of economic transformation.
Maida stressed the need to build a conducive environment for innovation, noting that the park was designed to promote entrepreneurship within the ICT sector by supporting research and development initiatives.
The executive vice chairman disclosed that similar digital industrial parks had been established in Ogun, Borno and Enugu States.
He said the parks were equipped with state-of-the-art technology and training facilities, assuring that they were also staffed with skilled personnel to support students and apprentices in various skill development programmes.
In his remarks, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf said the state government was targeting 300,000 youth with digital skills by 2030.
Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam, the governor revealed that: “The Government Enhancement Bill 2024 is currently before the Kano State House of Assembly for legislative approval.
“We also have Kano State Startup Deal 2025 aims to domesticate the Nigerian Startup Act and empower young innovators through digital literacy and skills development.”
Abba-Yusuf said thousands of youths in Kano have been trained in web development, digital marketing and tech entrepreneurship, resulting in start-up launches, remote job placements and increased participation in innovation hubs.
“Over 5,000 civil servants have been trained in ICT, digital tools and data management under the Digital Skills for Government Programme, implemented in partnership with NITDA and other stakeholders,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, highlighted various federal government’s youth-focused initiatives in education, agriculture and entertainment.
While expressing appreciation for the event, the minister said they anticipated further contributions from the NCC and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
He acknowledged the ministry of youth for its continued support and commitment to digital innovation, referencing programmes such as the Nigeria Youth Academic Initiative (NIA), youth networks and infrastructure development efforts.
According to him, these efforts are expected to materialise into fully operational centres across the country.
NAN