The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to increase broadband investments by 300 to 500 percent as part of a new initiative aimed at expanding internet connectivity across the country.
The initiative, known as the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), will bring together public institutions, telecom operators, technology firms, and international partners to accelerate high-speed internet deployment, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, emphasized that the NBAN is not just a policy initiative but a commitment to ensuring all Nigerians have access to digital opportunities.
“The NBAN is more than just a policy initiative. It is a commitment to a future where every Nigerian has access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in a connected world,” Tijani stated.
Despite rapid technological advancements, Nigeria’s broadband penetration remains at 44.43 percent as of December 2024, falling short of the 70 percent target set under the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025), which expires this year.
To address this, the government has approved the deployment of 90,000 km of backbone fiber infrastructure through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), ensuring wider internet coverage.
Key targets of the broadband expansion plan include achieving 70% broadband penetration by 2025, delivering 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.
Tijani, represented at the event by Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, acknowledged that broadband infrastructure remains underutilized due to low demand, high costs, and lack of awareness.
To tackle these challenges, NBAN aims to aggregate broadband demand from key sectors, including schools, hospitals, markets, and religious centers, to create a sustainable business model that will drive adoption and lower service costs.
The Federal Government believes this initiative will enhance digital inclusion, create economic opportunities, and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
