In a new development during the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, a group of protesters in Kano looted and set ablaze a newly constructed digital park by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The facility, which had yet to be officially commissioned, was targeted as part of the wider unrest spreading across major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Kano.
Videos circulating on social media on Thursday show people carrying away computers, chairs, and other equipment from the park.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, confirmed the incident and expressed dismay over the destruction.
He noted that the facility was intended to support the government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, aimed at empowering three million Nigerians with technical skills.
“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,” Tijani shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Alongside #3MTT, this building was set to host our buildathon holiday maker program for secondary school kids starting next week. A slight setback for our journey to deepening our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youth. Millions of Naira down the drain.”
The protests, which are expected to continue for ten days, are a response to the rising cost of goods and government policies perceived as burdensome.
Despite appeals from the federal government and various groups to call off the demonstrations, participants remain resolute in their demand for economic relief and policy reversals.
