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FG Prioritises $2bn Fibre Optic Project to Boost Connectivity

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The Federal Government has placed a high priority on a $2 billion fibre optic expansion project aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s internet infrastructure and driving economic growth.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced this at the G20 Digital Economy Group Meeting in Maceió, Brazil, on Friday.
Supported by the US Trade and Development Agency, the European Union, and other international partners, the project seeks to expand Nigeria’s fibre optic backbone from its current 35,000km to 125,000km, significantly improving access to high-speed, reliable internet.
The minister in his address stressed the importance of the project in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. He highlighted its role in promoting economic growth, fostering social inclusion, and providing access to essential services.
Dr. Tijani noted that expanding the fibre optic network will empower more Nigerians, especially those in rural areas, to participate in the global digital economy, thereby improving livelihoods and opening up new economic opportunities.
Universal and equitable access to meaningful connectivity is a cornerstone for economic development, social inclusion, and access to essential services in today’s digital age,” the minister said.
He added that this aligns with Nigeria’s goal of driving shared prosperity and diversifying the economy.
The minister also spoke on the government’s broader digital strategy, which includes digital literacy and skills development. He revealed that the Federal Government aims to ensure that 70% of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2027. To achieve this, the government has launched initiatives like the 3MTT program, described as the world’s largest technical talent acceleration initiative.
Dr. Tijani also announced the establishment of the National Broadband Alliance, a platform that brings together key stakeholders to identify sustainable ways to expand internet access across the country.
Drawing inspiration from global examples, the minister referenced how rural farmers in China have used social media platforms to bypass traditional markets, connecting directly with consumers and improving their incomes. He believes similar innovations could benefit Nigerian communities.
The minister further discussed the government’s commitment to enhancing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), a crucial aspect of its digital transformation agenda. He emphasised that DPI investments are key to building public trust by ensuring transparent, reliable, and accessible government services.
With support from the European Union and the World Bank, Nigeria has developed a digital ID system, which now includes over 90% of the adult population. This system, Dr. Tijani said, presents opportunities for integrating digital identity with government services, enabling a unified approach to citizen support during critical life events.
To streamline digital governance, the Federal Government is also pushing for new legislation aimed at eliminating silos across government agencies in the use of technology. This legislation, currently under public review, aims to create a data exchange system that enhances interoperability between agencies and strengthens Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
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Rupture In PDP Governors’ Forum deepens

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By Ojomah Austin.

 

The evolving fall-out, which comes barely days to the contentious National Executive Committee (NEC) of PDP, followed a back and forth between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike and the Governors forum, who declared support for Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara to be made leader of the party in the state.

After a meeting with some members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Bauchi on Wednesday, Governor Mohammed, said “According to our party’s constitution, any leadership vacancy should be filled by someone from the region where it originated,” stressing that Damagum would be replaced soon considering that he hails from North East and not the North Central.

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Same day, Makinde, during the groundbreaking of the upgrading of Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, to an international airport, which was attended by another set of NWC members, led by Damagum, said he would support whatever decision the Damagum-led NWC would take to reposition the party.

Damagum, who is considered a close ally of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, was appointed acting national chairman after the removal of Iyorchia Ayu in June 2023.

Meanwhile, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP led by Senator Adolph Wabara, met with members of the National Assembly caucus in Abuja.

The close door meeting comes barely hours after the BoT met with Wike in Abuja.

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While Wabara refused to comment on the essence of the meeting with the lawmakers, it was noticed that most of the lawmakers didn’t honour the invitation.

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Tears As Man Takes Own Life Over Tinubu’s Govt Hardship

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By Mario Deepromoter

Sad development in Marika village, Kiyawa Local Government, Jigawa, where a 40-year-old man, Jibrin Adamu, committed suicide by hanging himself.

According to eyewitnesses, Adamu’s lifeless body was discovered in a classroom at Miftahul Khairat Islamiyya and Primary School Gurdiba on Thursday.

Police spokesperson DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam confirmed the incident, stating that preliminary investigations revealed Adamu had struggled with mental health issues.

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“Police received a report on Thursday that at about 1830hrs, a tragic incident was reported at the Command headquarters that one Jibrin Adamu ‘m’ age 40yrs of Jigawar Maroka village, Kiyawa LGA has committed suicide by hanging himself over the ceiling at Islamiyya school,” the Police spokesperson told Daily Post.

The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, has instructed officers to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

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Just in: Dangote Petrol Now Available at N765.99 Per Litre

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By Mario Deepromoter

11plc, Total Energies, AA Rano, and other marketers have begun lifting Dangote Petrol through Nigerian National Company (NNPC) Trading Limited for N765.99 to retail outlets nationwide.

Findings showed some petroleum marketers who were able to complete their payment process on the NNPC trading payment portal commenced the lifting of petrol earlier this week under the existing agreement between marketers and the refinery.

Tunji Oyebanji, managing director, 11Plc confirmed to BusinessDay on Thursday evening that some marketers have started lifting the products at N765.99 from Dangote Refinery through NNPC who remain the sole off-taker of product.

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“We were among the first marketers to complete the payment on the NNPC portal. We have no direct arrangement with the refinery,” Oyebanji said.

It was gathered that NNPC Retail, 11plc, Total Energies, A.A Rano are among the marketers that have picked up products from the refinery.

He added, “We don’t know the contractual financial arrangement between NNPC and the refinery but what I can confirm is we are buying at N765.99 from NNPC to lift Dangote petrol”.

Efforts to get the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to confirm if its members have picked up products at the Dangote Refinery proved abortive at the time of writing this report.

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See also Nigeria’s Petrol Landing Cost Revealed
Adedapo Segun, executive vice-president, downstream at NNPC said marketers cannot purchase petrol directly from the refinery because the product is still sold at a subsidised rate.

“That is the same thing happening with Dangote. I said earlier that Dangote is a company and it is going to sell at market price,” he told Journalists.

According to Segun, “The market value of PMS is still higher than what N766 or N765 or N799 that NNPC is selling.

“The situation has not changed there. So, NNPC’s off-taking is only because the others would not buy at the price Dangote will be willing to sell, which is reasonable.

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“As soon as the price allows for it, you will see the marketers go to Dangote and buy.”

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