Bosun Tijani: Telecoms tariff hike necessary to sustain industry, improve connectivity

Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, says the federal government approved a 50 percent tariff hike for telecommunications companies to sustain the industry.

Tijani spoke on Saturday at the maiden robotics and artificial intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) summit, held in Ibadan.

On January 20, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granted approval to telcos for a 50 percent tariff hike.

Speaking on the move, Tijani said “the new tariff would allow telecommunication companies to be able to invest in new infrastructure and improve connectivity”.

On infrastructure, the minister urged Nigerian youths to drive technological progress as the present administration provides the necessary amenities.

“The biggest challenge for governments is individuals,” he said.

“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.

“Governments cannot build the progress that we want to build. What governments will build is the foundation for that progress to happen.”

Tijani said the future of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria has already been made known.

According to the minister, the productivity and prosperity that nations want to build will come from smart application of AI.

He said the government’s role is to continue to invest in infrastructure that would enable technological progress and make it happen.

On his part, Aderemi Oseni, chairman of the house committee on federal road maintenance agency,  underscored the importance of identifying and developing capacities in technology for youths.

Oseni said creating opportunities in technology would help reduce the high unemployment rate among youths.

Bayo Akande, senior special assistant to the governor of Oyo on ICT and e-governance, spoke on the progress the state has made regarding technology.

Akande said the state has invested massively in building robotics and artificial intelligence hubs for educational purposes.

He said the state government will continue to support and provide an enabling environment for technology transformation.

In his remarks, Olusola Ayoola, said the summit was a gathering of young Nigerians and entrepreneurs.

Ayoola said the government and other stakeholders need to know that Nigeria has the capacity and capability in latest technologies that can bring prosperity to the nation, if well harnessed.