Broadband Growth and Digital Inclusion Challenges
In recent years, Nigeria has made remarkable progress in broadband penetration, bringing millions of people online and creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion. However, a significant number of Nigerians—over 20 million—still lack reliable internet access, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, raised this concern at an industry-focused stakeholders’ engagement session of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in Lagos. The event, held in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), focused on ‘Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth.’
Universal Access: A National Priority
Universal access aims to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of background or location, has equal access to essential digital services. According to Dr. Tijani, while the country has made strides in expanding connectivity over the past 25 years, many rural communities continue to face significant barriers such as inadequate infrastructure and limited digital literacy.
“These gaps not only hinder personal and business growth but also limit the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy,” he stated.
The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has been identified as a key instrument in addressing this issue. The fund is designed to support infrastructure expansion, encourage local innovation, broadband penetration, and drive inclusive policies in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goal of making internet access affordable and meaningful for all Nigerians.
Major Projects Driving Digital Access
Dr. Tijani highlighted several flagship initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide:
- Project BRIDGE (90,000km Fibre Optic Expansion): Expanding fibre optic infrastructure across Nigeria to improve broadband penetration.
- Project 774: Ensuring that all 774 local government secretariats in Nigeria have access to high-speed internet, driving digital transformation at the grassroots level.
- The Universal Access Project: Targeting over 20 million Nigerians who currently have no access to digital services.
- The National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN): A multi-stakeholder initiative fostering government-private sector collaboration to achieve universal broadband access.
- The 3 Million Technical Talent Programme (3MTT): Building Nigeria’s digital workforce to enhance the digital ecosystem and support a projected $1 trillion economy.
“These projects are not just about infrastructure,” Dr. Tijani emphasized. “They are about enabling businesses, empowering individuals, and unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential.”
Call for Collaboration
Dr. Tijani stressed that bridging the digital divide is not a task for the government alone. He called for strong partnerships across the public and private sectors, development agencies, civil society, and local communities.
To ensure effective collaboration, he outlined four key pillars:
- Community Engagement: Ensuring that digital initiatives meet the specific needs of local populations.
- Leveraging Existing Infrastructure: Maximizing available resources to accelerate connectivity.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing digital literacy to help individuals and businesses fully utilize digital services.
- Sustainable Solutions: Implementing long-term strategies for maintaining and expanding digital access.
NCC Reaffirms Commitment to Universal Connectivity
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), also underscored the importance of extending connectivity to unserved and underserved areas.
Speaking at the engagement, Dr. Maida emphasized that the theme ‘Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure’ reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services for all Nigerians.
“We must take decisive steps toward strengthening partnerships and driving innovations that address local challenges and align with the current realities,” Dr. Maida urged. “Collaboration remains the cornerstone of sustainable development in this sector.”
Future Outlook
While Nigeria has made significant progress in expanding internet access, challenges remain. However, with ambitious projects, policy support, and stakeholder collaboration, the country is poised to achieve universal digital inclusion in the coming years.
As the digital economy continues to grow, ensuring affordable, reliable, and widespread connectivity will be crucial for unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and positioning it as a global technology powerhouse.
