Digital Economy Contribution to Nigeria’s GDP to Rise to 21% – Bosun Tijani
Nigeria’s digital economy is poised to contribute up to 21% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Dr. Tijani made the disclosure during a visit to his alma mater, Anglican Grammar School, Onikolobo, Abeokuta, on Thursday. He stated that the digital economy currently accounts for between 16% and 18% of Nigeria’s GDP, and the federal government has launched initiatives aimed at expanding this contribution significantly.
“This means more jobs and opportunities. For the first time in the history of this country, an administration is investing in 90,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables across the nation,” the Minister said.
He explained that the massive fibre optic rollout would provide high-speed internet access to schools and learning institutions, enhancing education and innovation.
“This infrastructure will bring high-speed internet to schools through cables, not through jungles—enabling better learning environments,” Tijani added.
According to a July 2024 report by Nairametrics, the digital economy is expected to generate $18.3 billion by 2026. Tijani reiterated this projection, emphasizing that technology has the potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s economy.
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The Minister also pointed to the emergence of Nigerian tech unicorns such as Flutterwave, Jumia, Andela, and Interswitch as evidence of the sector’s vitality. “For those who follow the growth and trajectory of our economy in Nigeria, you should probably know that the ICT sector contributes about 13 to 18% of GDP. In Q4 2023, the sector contributed about 16.6%,” he noted.
During his visit to Anglican Grammar School, Tijani encouraged students to dream big and not be limited by their backgrounds. “I once sat where you sit today. The lessons of kindness and empathy I learnt here shaped who I am,” he told them.
“You can become ministers, ambassadors, governors, or even the President. You can shake the world,” he said.
As part of his commitment to education, Tijani announced a fellowship program that will provide N100,000 annually, laptops, and school uniforms to the top three students in each of JSS 1–3 and SS 1–2. The program will support about 70 students each year.
He also pledged to refurbish and digitally equip a school building and adopt the school’s science laboratory, ensuring students have access to modern educational facilities.
Beyond education, Tijani attended an ‘Innovation and Startups Roundtable’ in Ogun State, where he highlighted the role of digital tools in transforming agriculture. He urged Nigerian farmers to adopt technologies such as mobile apps, sensors, and drones to improve productivity and reduce food imports.
“Given our large population and reliance on traditional farming, we cannot meet local food demand without embracing digital tools,” Tijani said, citing Ukraine’s success in sustaining agricultural output amid conflict due to its investment in agricultural technology.
He called on stakeholders to support digital adoption to preserve foreign exchange and boost food security.
The Minister’s visit highlighted the government’s broader strategy of leveraging technology to drive economic growth, create jobs, and empower the next generation.
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