Kano State’s Digital Industrial Park reopens after looting incident
By Anas Abbas
The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has officially reopened the Digital Industrial Park in Kano State, just 11 months after it was looted during a nationwide protest on August 1, 2024.
The park was initially set to be commissioned a week before the attack.
During the reopening ceremony on Wednesday, Tijani expressed his satisfaction with the park’s revival, stating, “Instead of discouraging us, last year’s unfortunate event motivated us to complete this project in less than a year. I am proud to announce that it is even better than it was before the looting.”
Tijani urged the local community to safeguard the center to ensure that it serves its intended purpose for the benefit of the people in the northwest region.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), emphasized that the park aligns with the NCC’s vision to foster innovation and digital entrepreneurship within the ICT sector.
He highlighted the importance of supporting research and development by transforming innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.
“The Digital Industrial Park is equipped with state-of-the-art computers, advanced networking systems, collaborative workspaces, and hands-on training facilities designed to nurture the next generation of digital innovators,” Maida explained.
He added that skilled technical and managerial personnel would oversee the park’s operations, collaborating with students involved in industrial training and skills development programs.
“Our objective is to create a vibrant ecosystem where cutting-edge ICT infrastructure supports the Federal Government’s initiatives to make digital services accessible and inclusive throughout Nigeria,” he noted.
The park features reliable broadband connectivity and a stable power supply, with similar facilities also established in Ogun, Borno, and Enugu States.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Deputy Aminu Abdussalam, expressed gratitude to the NCC for the park. He described it as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and collective ambition.
The Governor assured attendees that the state would prioritize the security of the facility and revealed plans for the creation of the Kano State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (KASITDA) to further institutionalize ICT initiatives in the region.