Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has emphasized the critical role of widespread internet access in attracting smartphone manufacturers to produce batteries locally. With Nigeria’s vast lithium deposits and ongoing internet infrastructure expansion, the country is positioning itself as a potential hub for technological manufacturing.
Current Internet Penetration and Digital Exclusion
Although Nigeria has made progress in digital connectivity, internet penetration currently stands at 42.24%, leaving over 100 million Nigerians digitally excluded. The government recognizes that improving access to the internet is essential for driving economic growth and attracting global investors in the tech industry.
Leveraging Nigeria’s Lithium Resources
Nigeria is home to significant deposits of lithium, a key component in the production of energy-dense rechargeable batteries used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and other electronics. Speaking on Arise TV, Tijani highlighted the government’s strategy to use this resource advantage to boost local manufacturing.
“We are considering that if the internet is more ubiquitous and available, we now have a strong case to have conversations with mobile phone manufacturers,” Tijani said. He explained that manufacturers could be encouraged—or required—to produce batteries locally, leveraging Nigeria’s abundant lithium reserves.
“If they can’t manufacture the whole thing locally yet, we can enforce that they must use batteries made from our resources,” he added.
Infrastructure Expansion as a Catalyst
The government is focusing on expanding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure to support this vision. Plans are underway to lay 90,000 km of fibre-optic cable, which will enhance internet connectivity across the country. Tijani noted that this foundational infrastructure is key to fostering innovation and attracting investment in the tech and manufacturing sectors.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Tijani emphasized that local battery production and eventual smartphone manufacturing could create numerous job opportunities, particularly in the mineral resources and tech manufacturing sectors. “If we do this, factories will come into the country, creating jobs and expanding opportunities for our young population,” he said.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and fostering economic development. By leveraging Nigeria’s natural resources and improving connectivity, the government aims to build a robust economy that can provide substantial job opportunities for its youth.
Challenges and Outlook
While the plan offers significant promise, achieving these goals will require overcoming challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and the need for significant investment. However, Tijani expressed optimism that with the right policies and infrastructure, Nigeria could become a key player in the global tech and manufacturing industries.
Conclusion
By focusing on expanding internet access and utilizing its lithium resources, Nigeria is laying the groundwork for a tech-driven economy. The push for local smartphone battery production is not just about leveraging natural resources—it is a strategic move to create jobs, attract investment, and position Nigeria as a leader in technological innovation. With proper implementation, this vision could significantly transform the country’s economy and reduce its dependence on imports.
