President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly rebuilt multi-billion-naira Digital Industrial Park in Kano State, marking a significant milestone in the federal government’s efforts to boost the digital economy and empower Nigerian youths.
The state-of-the-art facility, which was razed during the August 1, 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, has now been fully reconstructed through a private-sector-driven initiative led by IHS Nigeria.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who represented the president, emphasized the importance of the project in advancing youth empowerment and digital innovation in Nigeria.
“When the facility was destroyed, it was a painful moment. But we didn’t allow anger or bureaucracy to delay progress,” Tijani said.
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“President Tinubu, who holds this project dearly, directed me to rebuild it immediately. We turned to private sector partners rather than government funds, and today, the result is a more beautiful and robust digital park than the original design.”
The minister noted that Kano’s vibrant youth population and strong interest in ICT made the state a fitting location for the park. He revealed that Kano alone accounted for 10 percent of applications—over 180,000 youths—in the federal government’s digital empowerment program, 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT).
“I urge the youth in Kano and the entire Northwest region to take full advantage of this center, not just for personal growth but for national development,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, said the digital park is part of a broader strategy to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
He explained that the facility is equipped with modern digital tools, collaborative workspaces, and training hubs to foster research, development, and marketable tech solutions.
In addition to the Kano park, similar facilities have recently been established in Borno, Ogun, and Enugu states, he disclosed.
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Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Aminu Abdulsalam, lauded the federal government’s commitment to youth development and described the digital park as a symbol of the state’s resilience and future-readiness.
“Since the start of our administration in 2023, we have prioritized ICT-driven programs to empower our youth,” the governor said. “This park will play a vital role in transforming the lives of thousands of Kano youths.”
On his part, IHS Nigeria CEO Mohamad Darwish expressed pride in partnering with the government on the project, noting that it aligns with the company’s mission to support Nigeria’s digital transformation.
“This was an opportunity to demonstrate the power of public-private collaboration,” Darwish said. “This park is not just a building; it’s a platform to inspire and enable young Nigerians to succeed in the digital era.”
The Kano Digital Industrial Park will serve as a regional hub for ICT learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship, offering the tools and environment for the next generation of Nigerian digital talent to thrive.