FG advocates free, secure internet across Africa

The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria, through the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani has advocated for a free and secure internet across Africa.

Tijani, who made the call at the just-concluded Africa Internet Governance Forum in Abuja, advised African countries to make access to the Internet open and secure because this will help bridge the digital divide and create innovative opportunities within the continent.

The Minister, during the event which took place at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to engendering necessary collaborations and international dialogues to achieve these objectives.

He added that Nigeria, as the largest telecommunications market in Africa, is conscious of all the dynamics of emerging technologies around internet usage.

Tijani further said that Nigeria would continue to work with other countries in Africa on different fronts to ensure that the internet is effectively governed so its innumerable resources can be leveraged for the citizens and nation’s growth.

“The need for our consistent collaboration to develop our economy collectively is preeminent in the agenda of the current administration in Nigeria,” Tijani told parliamentarians and other participants from Africa who attended the forum in Abuja.

“It is through this kind of forum that we can bridge the digital divides, enhance cybersecurity, ensure digital rights and foster innovation.

“It is, therefore, our collective duty to ensure that the internet remains open, safe and beneficial for all.”

Tijani, in his address, encouraged all the stakeholders to prioritise a collaborative approach to creating policies and strategies.

According to him, this will play a huge role in shaping the future of the internet in Africa, the future that will reflect the continent’s shared values, aspirations and diversity.

Tijani did not fail in his speech to specifically praise the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other agencies that constituted the Local Organising Committee (LOG) on behalf of the Nigerian government, as well as all the sponsors for a successful 2023 AfIGF.

He also expressed delight with their effective planning and dedication to driving change in Africa’s digital future and said that it is something that is highly commendable.