Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, revealed that the creation of thousands of job opportunities is feasible through strategic initiatives such as a certified installer/maintenance program for Starlink and collaborations with hardware startups to manufacture repeater boxes within the country.
During a meeting at the ongoing International Telecommunication Union-World Radio Communication Conference in Dubai, the minister conveyed this proposition to SpaceX’s Senior Director of Global Licensing and Activation, Ryan Goodnight.
Highlighting Nigeria’s current status as Starlink’s largest market in Africa, Tijani discussed with the SpaceX director the significance of connecting underserved and unserved Nigerians, emphasizing the potential for job creation in the country.
In a tweet, Tijani expressed the promising dialogue with Ryan Goodnight at the ITU-WRC 23 event, acknowledging Nigeria’s prominent position as SpaceX’s primary market in Africa. He emphasized the growing demand for Starlink in Nigeria and explored strategies to connect those lacking internet access. Additionally, he mentioned the prospect of generating employment opportunities by initiating a certified installer/maintenance program for Starlink and collaborating with local hardware startups to manufacture repeater boxes. The aim is to encourage technology companies to invest in and enhance Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s data, Starlink, officially launched in Nigeria in January 2023, currently boasts 6,756 wireless Internet subscribers. Nigeria stands as Starlink’s inaugural operational country in Africa and the 47th globally.