FG plans 500% increase in broadband investments – Minister

• Published On: 05 February 2025 at 19:28

The National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria will serve as a collaborative platform, bringing together public institutions, telecom operators, technology companies, and international partners to increase high-speed internet access, particularly in underserved communities.

Internet availability and access in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, remain limited. As of December, broadband penetration stood at 44.43%, well below the 70% target set by Nigeria's National Broadband Plan (2020-2025), which is set to expire this year.

The government's strategy includes deploying 90,000 kilometres of backbone fibre via a Special Purpose Vehicle approved by the Federal Executive Council.

"The NBAN represents more than just a policy initiative. "It is a commitment to a future in which every Nigerian has access to the tools and opportunities required to succeed in a connected world," Tijani stated in Lagos on Tuesday.

Tijani, accompanied by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, outlined the key objectives of the National Broadband Plan and the Ministry's strategic blueprint, describing them as "bold yet achievable."

Our objectives include reaching 70% broadband penetration by 2025, providing minimum data speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, expanding population coverage to 80% by 2027, and increasing broadband investments by 300-500% by 2027," he stated.

The minister stated that, despite significant infrastructure rollouts, broadband underutilization remains a problem, with many fibre networks idle due to low demand.

This problem is exacerbated by affordability concerns and a general lack of public awareness.

To address this, the NBAN intends to bring together broadband demand from key sectors such as schools, hospitals, markets, and religious institutions.