Photo Caption:Bosun Tijani
Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani
Nigeria has launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), a significant initiative aimed at boosting the country’s digital infrastructure and enhancing broadband adoption.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who emphasized the government’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy.
Tijani stated the strategic importance of improving broadband infrastructure as a cornerstone for economic development.
“As we work towards accelerating our collective prosperity as a nation, improving our connectivity infrastructure is a critical part of our plans as a government,” he stated on his X platform handle.
Tackling Broadband Challenges
Nigeria’s digital economy has been hampered by low data consumption, leading to poor returns on investment (ROI) for nationwide fibre networks.
The NBAN aims to address these challenges by fostering collaboration among telecom sector stakeholders, promoting broadband development, and driving greater adoption nationwide.
The alliance will focus on bridging the gap between broadband supply and demand. While the government is set on enhancing both the quality and quantity of broadband services, the NBAN will develop strategies to stimulate demand, ensuring that the country’s infrastructure investments yield substantial economic benefits.
Strategic Vision for Digital Transformation
Tijani stressed that the NBAN is a vital component of Nigeria’s strategy to lead in the global digital landscape.
The initiative is expected to catalyze the country’s digital transformation, providing more Nigerians with access to high-speed internet and enabling broader participation in the digital economy.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to raise $2 billion for the expansion of Nigeria’s fibre optic network. This investment will extend the nation’s fibre infrastructure by 90,000 kilometres, bringing the total to 125,000 kilometres.
The goal is to include at least 50% of the 33 million Nigerians currently without internet access.
Collaborating with Development Institutions
The Minister said he has engaged with development institutions to strategize on raising the necessary funds for the fibre optic expansion.
This effort aims to increase internet penetration in Nigeria to over 70% and reduce the cost of access by more than 60%. Currently, Nigeria’s broadband penetration stands at 43.53%, with significant gaps in fibre network access.
The new National Broadband Plan targets 70% penetration by 2025, seeking to bridge the digital divide.
This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader objectives of fostering innovation, creating jobs, and driving economic growth through digital technologies. By improving broadband connectivity, the government aims to unlock new opportunities for businesses and individuals, contributing to the nation’s overall prosperity.
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Under the current administration, Nigeria has made significant strides in its digital economy. The launch of the NBAN follows other key initiatives, such as the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020-2025.
These policies demonstrate the government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria into a leading digital economy by enhancing connectivity, supporting innovation, and expanding digital access to underserved areas.
As the NBAN begins its work, all eyes will be on the telecoms sector and other stakeholders to see how this collaboration will shape Nigeria’s digital landscape, particularly in terms of increased broadband adoption and improved ROI for infrastructure investments.
