The Kano State branch of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) Industrial Park was looted and set on fire by hoodlums just days before its official opening. The Digital Innovation Park, intended to bolster Nigeria’s technical talent through the 3MTT program, suffered extensive damage during the violent protests on Thursday.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, expressed his deep sorrow and frustration over the incident. He noted the significant setback this event poses to the country’s efforts in promoting digital innovation and technical skill development. In a heartfelt post on X, Tijani remarked, “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.”
He emphasised the financial impact of the destruction, noting, “Millions of Naira down the drain.”
The park, which was designed to serve as a hub for technological advancement and innovation, now lies in ruins. The facility was part of a broader initiative to enhance digital skills and provide a conducive environment for tech startups and innovators in Nigeria.
Eyewitnesses reported that the protest in Kano, initially peaceful, escalated into chaos, leading to the vandalism of the park. The reasons behind the protests are still unclear, but the damage to the park is evident. The loss is estimated to be in the millions of naira, adding a significant financial burden to the already challenging task of rebuilding and restoring the facility.
The destruction of the Digital Innovation Park is a blow to Nigeria’s burgeoning tech community, which looked forward to the opportunities the park would bring. The 3MTT program aimed to accelerate the growth of technical talent, offering training and resources to young Nigerians eager to enter the tech industry.
