The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, has set a target of increasing the Information Communication Technology sector’s contribution to the Nigerian economy to 21 per cent from currently below 18 per cent.
Speaking during a visit to his alma mater, Anglican Grammar School, Onikolobo, Abeokuta, he said President Bola Tinubu was making significant efforts to raise Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through increased contributions from the digital economy.
As of the fourth quarter of 2024, Nigeria’s ICT sector contributed 17.68 per cent to the country’s real GDP, marking an increase from 16.66 per cent in Q4 2023.
He said if the target is actualised, it would translate to further growth in Nigeria’s economy.
“This means more jobs and opportunities. For the first time in the history of this country, an administration is investing in 90,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables across the nation.
“This infrastructure will bring high-speed internet to schools through cables—not through jungles—enabling better learning environments,” he said.
Encouraging the students, Mr Tijani said background should not be a barrier to success.
“I once sat where you sit today. The lessons of kindness and empathy I learnt here shaped who I am.
“You can become ministers, ambassadors, governors, or even the President. You can shake the world,” he said.
To support education, Mr Tijani announced a fellowship programme for the top three students in JSS 1–3 and SS 1–2.
Each will receive N100,000 annually, along with laptops and school uniforms.
This will benefit around 70 students each year.
He also revealed plans to refurbish and digitally equip a school building and adopt the science laboratory.
The minister attended an ‘Innovation and Startups Roundtable’ with digital technology entrepreneurs and solution providers in Ogun State.
There, he underscored the need for technology-driven agriculture to address food insecurity and boost local food production.
“Given our large population and reliance on traditional farming, we cannot meet local food demand without embracing digital tools,” he said.
“Technology such as mobile apps, sensors, and drones can help farmers monitor crops, control pests, track soil changes, and ultimately improve productivity.”
Mr Tijani noted that countries like Ukraine had sustained agricultural output even amid conflict, due to their heavy investment in agricultural technology, encouraging Nigerian farmers to adopt similar innovations to reduce dependence on food imports and preserve foreign exchange.