President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday justified the need for Nigeria to embrace the 5G network.
In his independence speech early on October 1, the president also explained why National Identification Number (NIN) is compulsory for all Nigerians.
He said the efforts to ensure all Nigerians have a NIN as well as plan to have the fifth generation technology “will ensure we stay in line with the global innovation curve as a Nation”.
The President also said policies have been put in place to ensure Nigerians take advantage of the prospects.
While speaking on transport, he revealed that over 13,000 kilometres of roads and bridges are under construction across the country and that a fair percentage have been completed.
He said as roads are being fixed, the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration is extending and upgrading Nigeria’s railway network with the opening of the Warri-Itakpe standard gauge rail line.
Buhari said to increase capacity, more locomotives, coaches and wagons have been added, in addition to the establishment of a Wagon Assembly in Kajola, Ogun State.
The president admitted the sea port remained problematic as the effect of various interventions to reduce the gridlocks and inefficiencies have been slower than expected.
He assured that the implementation of the Electronic Call-Up System, plus conversion of the Lillypond Container Terminal to a Vehicle Transit Area will further enhance the ease of cargo evacuation.
“Our prioritisation of developing Nigeria’s Digital Economy has positively impacted the contribution of the ICT sector to our GDP”, the Nigerian leader added.