The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the destruction of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) office in Kano State, emphasizing the significant financial losses incurred.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, condemned the looting and arson of the NCC’s Industrial Complex by protesters.
Tijani highlighted that the NCC Digital Park in Kano was scheduled to be launched next week as part of the federal government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
This initiative aims to support technical talent development and job creation for Nigerian youths.
In addition to the 3MTT programme, the complex was also set to host the ministry’s “buildathon holiday maker programme” for secondary school students, which was also scheduled to begin next week.
The minister explained that the actions of hoodlums who hijacked the initially peaceful protest resulted in the looting and burning of the NCC building, thereby delaying the government’s efforts to foster job creation and technology workforce development.
Tijani shared his dismay on his X handle, stating:
“Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters.
Alongside 3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week. A slight setback for our journey to deepening our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youth. Millions of Naira down the drain.”
This incident represents a significant setback for the government’s initiatives aimed at technological advancement and youth employment in Nigeria.