The Federal Government of Nigeria is launching a new initiative, the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), with the aim of increasing broadband investments by 300-500%. This initiative is designed to improve internet connectivity across the country, especially in underserved areas, by creating a collaborative platform involving public institutions, telecom operators, technology firms, and international partners.
Despite efforts to expand broadband access, Nigeria’s internet availability remains limited. As of December, broadband penetration was only 44.43%, far from the 70% target set by the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025). The government is looking to address this gap by focusing on expanding broadband infrastructure and enhancing internet access.
Under the NBAN initiative, the government plans to deploy 90,000 kilometers of backbone fibre through a Special Purpose Vehicle approved by the Federal Executive Council. The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond policy, aiming to provide every Nigerian with access to tools necessary for success in a digital world.
The National Broadband Plan’s key objectives include achieving 70% broadband penetration by 2025, increasing data speeds to 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, and expanding broadband coverage to 80% of the population by 2027. These goals are seen as ambitious but attainable, according to the Ministry’s strategic blueprint.
The initiative also aims to tackle challenges like broadband underutilization, affordability, and awareness. By aggregating demand from key sectors such as schools, hospitals, markets, and religious centers, the government plans to drive broadband adoption, lower service costs, and attract private-sector investment. The pilot implementation will begin in states such as Edo, Ogun, and Kwara.
Source: PUNCH