Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, says the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making what he describes as historic investments in digital infrastructure to ensure that no part of Nigeria is left behind.
The minister’s remarks are coming amid public reactions to comments he made during a recent interview on Channels Television, which generated debate on the state of connectivity and security across parts of the country.
According to Tijani, the Tinubu administration is scaling up investments aimed at deepening nationwide connectivity, strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and ensuring that digital infrastructure contributes to economic prosperity, inclusion and national development.
Tijani’s clarification follows widespread interpretation of a section from the interview in which he appeared to suggest that bandits were using a “special kind of technology” to make calls by bouncing signals across multiple towers rather than relying on conventional telecom infrastructure.
He outlined several flagship initiatives driving the government’s digital infrastructure push.
One of them is Project Bridge, a planned 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic backbone designed to connect every geopolitical zone, state and local government area, laying the foundation for ubiquitous broadband connectivity.
The government is also deploying 3,700 new telecommunications towers to unserved and underserved communities, a move expected to connect more than 23 million Nigerians who currently lack access to reliable communication services.
In addition, the administration is strengthening the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), including plans to replace its existing satellite and launch two new communications satellites to enhance national coverage and improve network resilience.
Tijani’s clarification follows widespread interpretation of a section from the interview in which he appeared to suggest that bandits were using a “special kind of technology” to make calls by bouncing signals across multiple towers rather than relying on conventional telecom infrastructure.
In a statement addressing the controversy, the minister says his remarks were made within the broader context of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to close connectivity gaps across the country.
“Over the past two days, there has been significant public discussion around a comment I made during an interview on Channels Television,” Tijani says, adding that the interview was largely focused on the progress and impact of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
He explains that his comments were intended to highlight the risks associated with inadequate digital infrastructure in parts of Nigeria.
“My objective was to explain that gaps in digital infrastructure and connectivity in some parts of the country represent a development and security vulnerability,” Tijani says. “These gaps limit economic opportunity, restrict access to services, and weaken coordination and inclusion.”
According to the minister, the comments were meant to underscore why closing connectivity gaps matters and how the current administration is deliberately working to address them through sustained investment in digital infrastructure.
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