The Federal Government has introduced the National Broadband Alliance, a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and enhance nationwide connectivity.
The unveiling took place on Tuesday in Lagos, with the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, represented by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida.
During the event, Tijani highlighted that NBAN will significantly boost broadband penetration, which has surged from a mere 6 per cent in 2015 to approximately 42 per cent by October 2024.
He noted that the government is driving this expansion through a Special Purpose Vehicle aimed at deploying 90,000 km of fibre backbone across the country, connecting underserved and rural communities to high-speed internet.
“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes innovation, technology, and collaboration as critical pillars for national development,” Tijani stated.
The minister underscored that this initiative would not only improve reliable broadband access but also empower Nigerians in remote areas.
“While the progress made in broadband penetration is commendable, we recognise that much more needs to be done to ensure every Nigerian can enjoy the benefits of reliable, high-speed internet,” he added.
Tijani stressed the importance of strategic collaborations with donors, investors, and key stakeholders to overcome challenges and ensure the successful implementation of the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025).
According to him, these partnerships will be instrumental in making broadband affordable and accessible to all Nigerians.
“These targets reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring that broadband is accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all Nigerians. However, we are also aware of the challenges ahead,” Tijani said.
He outlined the government’s ambitious goals of achieving 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025, a minimum internet speed of 25 Mbps in urban areas, and broadband access for 80 per cent of the population by 2027.
“Achieving these goals will require more than just the efforts of the private sector. It will require a holistic approach that includes strategic partnerships with donors, investors, and other key stakeholders in accelerating the rollout of critical infrastructure,” Tijani stated..
