The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has clarified his recent comments on Channels Television suggesting that bandits and terrorists exploit technology to evade tracking, saying his remarks were misunderstood and taken out of context.
In a clarification issued on Sunday, Tijani explained that his comments during the interview were aimed at highlighting how gaps in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and connectivity pose both development and security challenges, not to suggest superior technological sophistication by criminal elements.
According to the minister, the interview, which largely focused on the progress and impact of the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, addressed a broader issue of how limited digital access in some parts of the country restricts economic opportunities, weakens service delivery, and hampers effective coordination.
Tijani noted that such connectivity gaps create vulnerabilities that can be exploited, underscoring the need for inclusive digital infrastructure nationwide. He stressed that this reality is the reason the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making what he described as historic investments to ensure no part of Nigeria is left behind in the digital economy.
He outlined key initiatives of the government, including Project Bridge, a 90,000-kilometer national fiber-optic backbone designed to connect all geopolitical zones, states, and local government areas. He also cited plans to deploy 3,700 new telecom towers to unserved and underserved communities, which are expected to connect over 23 million Nigerians currently without access to reliable communication services.
The minister further disclosed ongoing efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) system through the replacement of its current satellite and the launch of two additional communication satellites to improve national coverage and resilience.
Tijani said these investments would deepen nationwide connectivity, strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, and ensure that digital infrastructure supports economic prosperity, inclusion, and national development.
“My comments were made in this context—to highlight why closing connectivity gaps matters and how this administration is deliberately working to address them,” he said, urging the public to watch the full interview for proper context.
