Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, reveals that the recent break-in at Kano Digital Park during the ‘Endbadgovernance’ protest on Thursday stole around 150 computers, including desktops and laptops.
The Minister disclosed this while speaking recently, where he explained issues around the protest and the attack on the Kano facility.
He claims that the attack caused losses in millions, if not billions, of Naira. He did point out, though, that a Kano-based private business had expressed interest in restoring the damaged building.
Read also: Kano Digital Innovation Park burned and looted by protesters
Dr. Bosun added that the Park was built under Muhammadu Buhari’s immediate administration but was not completed.
In his statement, he said, “This property is one of the properties that the last administration actually worked on, but they didn’t deliver it. A number of things were incomplete. The last set of equipment was put in there only two months ago. And we just agreed two weeks ago to launch the facility next week.”
Minister’s response to equipment theft and vandalism
When asked how much the stolen equipment and vandalised facilities were worth, the Minister responded that it was a lovely building with 120-150 computers worth millions or billions. However, the generator in the building needs more work and power backup before use. The contractor was supposed to supply these items, but protests have caused delays.
In response to critics on social media who questioned why Kano was chosen as the location for such a facility, the Minister denied any suggestion that the State does not require digital skills, pointing out that many young people in Kano have a strong desire for them.
Based on his response, Kano has the highest number of applicants for the government’s ongoing 3 Million Technical Training (3MTT) programme.
However, The Minister pointed out that the facility’s vandalism would not prevent the Ministry from moving forward with its plans to rehabilitate the Kano ICT Park for your use. The Ministry is already receiving support for this project.
Read also: #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest: MTN, telcos bar network lines
Nigerian youths’ bold move at the Digital Park
Many Nigerians crowded the streets on Thursday in an effort to kick off the nationwide “Endbadgovernance” protest, which is scheduled to take place from August 1 to August 10.
The protesters want the government to address the exorbitant cost of products today and undo some policies that have caused hardship for Nigerians.
Meanwhile, some youths hiding under the protest broke into the Digital Park built by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and carted away equipment, including computers and furniture.