Nigeria has welcomed Google’s commitment to creating one million digital jobs in the country, according to President Bola Tinubu. Speaking during a visit by Google Global Vice President Richard Gingras, President Tinubu expressed his support for the tech giant’s initiative, highlighting Nigeria’s creative and talented young population. He emphasized that Google has the necessary capabilities and tools to empower these young individuals in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
President Tinubu affirmed the government’s readiness to collaborate with Google, stating, We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous. He also commended Google for its commitment to free speech, freedom of the press, and democracy, emphasizing the importance of defending these values.
During the meeting, Gingras mentioned his attendance at the West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference and spoke highly of the creativity and talent he witnessed among Nigeria’s young people. He assured President Tinubu that Google is deeply interested in Nigeria and ready to support the government’s efforts. Gingras highlighted Google’s capabilities, including Artificial Intelligence and other digital innovations, which can empower young people to become digital entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, Gingras revealed Google’s subsea cable, Equiano, named after Nigerian slave abolitionist, which landed in Nigeria in April 2022, and is expected to significantly improve internet connectivity in the future. He also pledged Google’s assistance in combating disinformation and fake news in Nigeria, expressing the organization’s ongoing commitment to its partnership with the Nigerian government.
Google has deep interest in Nigeria. We want to support the government’s efforts to create one million digital jobs. We have all the tools and capabilities to make this happen. We will also help secure Nigeria, and we have discussed that with your National Security Adviser. I came to Nigeria to learn. I am going back home very impressed with what I saw. You have very vibrant, creative, and talented young people who are embracing innovation. We will continue to support your programs to expand your digital economy, stated Gingras.
The visit by Google’s top executive highlights the recognition of Nigeria’s potential as a hub for digital innovation. With the government’s commitment to driving economic reform and Google’s support, the country aims to harness the power of technology and empower its youth to excel in the digital economy. This collaboration could pave the way for job creation and economic growth while also promoting free speech and press freedom in Nigeria.
