Nigeria’s Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani, says that the Nigerian Government approved a 50 per cent tariff hike for telecommunication companies to sustain the industry.
Speaking at the maiden Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) Summit on Saturday in Ibadan in south-western Nigeria, Tijani said that the new tariff would allow telecommunication companies to be able to invest in new infrastructure and improve connectivity.
The minister urged Nigerian youths to drive technological progress as the present administration provides the infrastructure.
“The biggest challenge for governments is individuals, as we invest in infrastructure to drive the progress of technology.
“We need individuals; we need innovators; we need entrepreneurs to actually build the technologies,” the minister said,
He commended the founder of RAIN, Dr Olusola Ayoola, saying that “without folks like him and the work they are doing in ICT terrain, it will be difficult for Nigeria to develop technologically.”
“I think we are grateful that Nigeria has the privilege of a man like Ayoola who is putting Ibadan on the map.
“Governments cannot build the progress that we want to build. What governments will build is the foundation for that progress to happen,” local media reports quoted Tijani as saying.
The minister said that the future of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria had already been made known.
According to him, the productivity and prosperity that nations want to build will come from the smart application of AI.
“And with what RAIN is building, we will start to see more direct application coming from the innovation that the young people are building.
“And that is what any nation wants to see. Our role is to continue to support,” he added.
GIK/APA