Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani on Tuesday commissioned the Nigeria-Korea Information Access Centre IAC, at the Digital Bridge Institute DBI in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He said that government was putting significant infrastructure in place to ensure that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Information Technology adding that as the largest economy in Africa, the nation has no choice but to take the lead for other African countries to emulate.
In an address of welcome, the President and Chief Executive Officer of DBI Mr. David Daser, said that the Center “is not just a building; it is a bridge, a bridge that connects Nigeria to the world, a bridge that links dreams to opportunities, and a bridge that unites us in our shared vision of a digitally inclusive future”.
According to him, the Center is a direct response to the call of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which envisions a Nigeria where digital technology drives innovation, creates jobs, and bridges the gap between the connected and the unconnected.
“In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the 3MTT initiative of Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Nigeria-Korea IAC is the culmination of a bold vision, a vision to bridge the digital divide, empower our citizens, and position Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy.
“This Center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs, an AI development center, a digital lounge, training rooms, a mobile IAC, and an e-resource library, all designed to foster digital literacy, innovation, and research.
“Today, we stand at the threshold of a new era, an era where knowledge knows no borders, where innovation transcends limitations, and where collaboration between nations ignites transformative change”, Mr Daser said.
He disclosed that beyond the infrastructure, the IAC represents something far greater, hope including hope for the young students who will access online learning platforms for the first time.
“Hope for early career professionals. Hope for the entrepreneur who will leverage ICT skills to launch a meaningful startup and hope for the nation as we harness the power of technology to drive economic growth, improve public services, and create a more inclusive society.”
Reeling out the goals of the Nigeria-Korea IAC partnership, Mr David Daser said the project “is billed to directly support these national priorities promoting digital inclusion, ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of background, have access to ICT tools and skills.
“Fostering AI and emerging tech expertise, preparing our workforce for the demands of the global digital economy.
“Supporting research and innovation, driving homegrown solutions in AI, IoT, big data, and cybersecurity.
“Enabling e-government services, enhancing access to digital governance and citizen engagement”.
Other goals the project hopes to meet according to the DBI President, are “supporting the establishment of sustainable ecosystems for digital transformation by developing a pool of talent in AI and related fields.
“Aligning with the national AI policy’s objectives of fostering a culture of AI innovation, capacity building, and ethical AI practices by addressing critical areas such as data labeling, which is foundational for the development of AI solutions tailored to local challenges.
“Contributing to the 3MTT Program by creating opportunities to develop skilled talents in technology fields, helping to close the gap in AI and ML expertise nationwide.”
The Digital Bridge Institute has as its mission, to bridge the digital divide by developing world-class functional ICT talent and Mr Daser is optimistic that the IAC is a tangible step towards that goal, providing a hub where students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and enthusiasts can develop the critical digital skills that will power Nigeria’s Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Paying his tribute to the brains behind the project, Mr Daser said that “this project would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners, the South Korean government, the Nigerian government, and all stakeholders who believed in this vision.
“We would also like to recognize the former President/CEO of DBI, Prof. Mohammed Ajiya whose leadership played a key role in initiating the IAC project.
“Furthermore, we acknowledge the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), our parent organization, whose support has been instrumental in the success story of DBI and this laudable occasion.
“The ADEPTI project for DBI, solely sponsored by the NCC, further exemplifies our commitment to excellence in digital education and professional training.
“Today, we celebrate not just the commissioning of a center but the spirit of collaboration that made it possible”, he said.
Keynote speaker and the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission Dr. Aminu Maida, said the commissioning represents a bold step in the nation’s journey toward digital inclusion, technological innovation, and ICT education.
He said the occasion also marked the unveiling of a future powered by connectivity, knowledge, and collaboration.
“I recall the visit of delegates from the National Information Agency (NIA), South Korea to the NCC on December 12, 2024, where we discussed aligning objectives to accelerate Nigeria’s ICT growth.
” Today, we witness the realivaton of that dialogue—a demonstration of commitment and vision”.
Speaking on the significance of the project, the Executive Vice Chairman said that Nigeria is on the cusp of a digital revolution addig that the Centre, developed in partnership with South Korea’s National Information Agency, is just a building but a gateway to opportunity.
“It will give our youth, entreprencurs, and professionals access to cutting-edge digital tools, research faciliues, and training, equipping them to thrive in today’s Fourth Industrial Revolution, where Al, Big Data, and IoT are reshaping the world.
“This would help position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital economy, ready to compete on the global stage.
“At the NCC, we have worked tirelessly over the years to expand broadband penetration, strengthen telecom infrastructure, and create an enabling environment for technological advancement.
“Our regulatory frameworks have driven innovations like 5G, satellite broadband, Al and cybersecurity, ensuring Nigeria remains a leader in the global digital race” he said.
He pledged NCC’s committment to bridging inequality by connecting unserved and underserved communites, closing the digital divide, and ensuring every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the opportunities that technology offers.
“This Information Access Centre complements those efforts by providing a platform for learning, research, and innovation.
“It is part of a broader commitment to capacity building and learning initiatives in digital technologies.
“At our Annex facility in Mbora for example, we have established a Centre of Excellence where young Nigerians from all walks of life are trained on 4G and 5G technologies using Nokia RAN equipment.
“Such hands-on, practical approach prepares them for the global market and industry, going beyond theory to build real-world skills”, he added.
He promised that government will continue to create regulatory frameworks and instruments that encourage investment in digital infrastructure, enhance innovation, and promote digital inclusion.
The Ambassador, Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Mr Kim Pan kyu, said he is that the AIC will play a critical role in further transforming Nigeria’s digital potential into reality.
He said that Korea is standing with Nigeria to support its digital transformation cis the Korea International Cooperation Agency KOICA.
In his words, “to facilitate Nigeria’s transition to e-government, Korea has been implementing an ODA project worth 13 million dollars from 2020 to 2026.
“To enhance multimedia education for primary and secondary schools, Korea has invested 10 million dollars in an ODA from 2021 to this year”, the Ambassador disclosed.
He said that Nigeria stands as the Largest economy and the most populous country in Africa and demonstrating its significant potential in the digital sector and promised that his country will continue to support Nigeria in her journey for digital transformation.
With the commissioning of the Nigeria-Korea IAC on Tuesday, speakers at the occasion believe that Nigeria has taken a huge leap into the world of Information Technology.
