The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr Faruk Yusuf Yabo has said the 3MTT is justifiably launching three million Nigerians into the global hub.

Speaking at the ongoing 12th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NCCDE holding from 2nd To 6th December in Makurdi, Benue State, Engr Yabo said:

“Looking at this eminent gathering today, I am proud to inform you that the Ministry has a dedicated National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), set up as a digital innovation and research facility focused on AI, Robotics and Drones, Internet of Things (IOT), and other emerging technologies, aimed at transforming the Nigerian digital economy, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030.

“​Also, the ongoing nationwide talent development 3MTT, aimed to train three million digital talents, is justifiably positioning Nigeria as a global hub for the application of AI.

” Also, the recent effort of the Ministry to drive home-grown research through the provision of research grants to forty-five Artificial Intelligence starts-ups and researchers through the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) in critical sectors of the country is evident of emerging Nigeria’s talent and entrepreneurial ecosystem.​

” Additionally, the boundaries of Nigeria’s AI efforts extend beyond domestic lines. In 2023, Nigeria signed the Bletch-ley Declaration on AI, along with 28 other nations, including the UK and France, committing to AI development that mitigates risk.

” Similarly, Nigeria joined 18 different countries that adopted the United State-led coalition to ensure AI is secured by design.

“The acceleration and enhancement of AI in Nigeria, the Ministry has ensured the provision of adequate infrastructure through the Right-of-Way (RoW) Policy where telecommunication operators pay to state governments to lay fiber optic cables that carry internet traffic on state roads.

“In 2013 the National Economic Council (NEC) agreed on a maximum RoW charge of N145 per linear meter, a policy meant to streamline the costs for telecommunication charges.

” January 2020 was a step in the right direction when the Nigerian Governors Forum accordingly resolved that telecommunication operators were to pay N145 in line with NEC’s approval.

“More than 10 states have either crashed RoW Charges to N145 per linear meter of fiber optic or completely eliminated the charges to zero. This year 2024, the Executive Vice-Chairman NCC stated that discussion with other state governments were ongoing to secure additional waivers on RoW Charges.

“Also there have been calls from well-meaning Nigerians on states to implement the harmonized RoW Charges for obvious benefits for the sector.

“​The National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) will always begin with you as the technical session of experts and industry stakeholders.

“At this session, you are expected to review the implementation of resolutions reached at the 11th Council meeting and how they have contributed to the development of the Nigeria Digital Economy sector within the period.

” You will also be involved in the consideration of memoranda submitted for the 12th NCCIDE meeting given them the desired content that would meet the standard for council approval for the development of the Digital Economy sector.

“I wish on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, management and staff of the ministry thank our Chief Host, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormen Alia, His Excellency the Deputy Governor and members of the State Executive Council for accepting to host the 12th Council meeting and providing the necessary support for the success of this event even when the economy is affecting governments at all levels.

“The reception we have received since our arrival in this beautiful ancient city has been heartwarming.

“A dedicated National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), set up as a digital innovation and research facility focused on AI, Robotics and Drones, Internet of Things (IOT), and other emerging technologies, aimed at transforming the Nigerian digital economy, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030.

“The session has been sub-divided into 5 syndicate groups to handle memos that fall under each specific category of ;
a. Knowledge;
b. policy;
c. Infrastructure;
d. Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Capital and
e. Trade

“Distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen, this crucial interaction represents our collective efforts towards re-positioning our country in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of Renewed Hope Agenda.

“It’s therefore calls for the dedication of everybody engaged in this assignment to chat a path towards the formulation of policies and new strategies for the realization of a new Nigeria.

“I wish to encourage our distinguished participants to take advantage of the many sessions at this meeting to come up to speed on the sub-themes in line with the present-day realities and also, take advantage of the networking opportunities available during the Council meeting to forge strategic partnerships that will further enhance developments in the digital technology sector.

“​Once again, on behalf of the Hon. Minister, I most sincerely welcome you all to the 12th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and implore you to maximize your participation by contributing fully to all the discussions with a view to moving the digital economy sector and the country’s economy to the next level.