Minister laments as protesters loot NCC park in Kano

Scores of protesters, on Thursday, August 1, 2024, invaded the Digital Industrial Park (DIP) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Kano State and looted equipment worth billions of naira.

The protesters looted the equipment after breaking into offices at the yet-to-be-commissioned park.

Confirming the incident, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salma Dogo, said a section of the industrial park was attacked by the protesters.

Dogo added that the generator house was set ablaze, while the offices at the NCC park were vandalised.

Protesters attack NCC office in Kano

He said the police along with security agencies had taken security measures to safeguard lives and property of the residents.

The park, which serves the northwestern region of Nigeria, was scheduled for commissioning on Wednesday, August 7.

The centre was established to promote the federal government’s digital economy initiative by training young Nigerians in digital entrepreneurship.

The centre is one of six located in each of the country’s geo-political zones.

Condemning the looting via a statement on X, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, noted: “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.

“Alongside 3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme 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 Star