Nigeria Targets Fivefold Broadband Investment Surge
Nigeria’s federal government has announced plans to boost broadband investments by up to 500%, as part of a sweeping initiative to accelerate internet connectivity across the country.
The new programme, National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), will serve as a collaborative platform, bringing together public institutions, telecom operators, technology firms, and international partners to expand high-speed internet access, particularly in underserved areas.
Despite being Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria continues to struggle with limited internet penetration. At the end of December 2023, broadband coverage stood at 44.43%, well below the 70% target set under the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025), which is due to expire this year.
90,000km of Fibre to Drive Connectivity Push
Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, outlined the government’s strategy, describing the initiative as a transformative step towards a more connected Nigeria.
“The NBAN is more than just a policy initiative,” Tijani said, in remarks delivered by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida. “It is a commitment to a future where every Nigerian has access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in a connected world.”
A key part of the plan involves deploying 90,000km of backbone fibre, enabled through a Special Purpose Vehicle approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Tijani said the government’s goals 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
Increasing broadband investment by 300–500% by 2027
Bridging the Utilisation Gap
Despite ongoing investment in fibre infrastructure, the government faces a significant challenge in broadband underutilisation, as many networks remain idle due to low demand, affordability issues, and lack of awareness.
The NBAN aims to address this by aggregating broadband demand from key sectors—including schools, hospitals, markets, and religious centres—to create a sustainable business model that drives adoption and lowers service costs.
To accelerate the initiative, the government has identified eight pilot states—Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa—for early implementation. It is also rolling out incentives to attract private-sector investment and ensure long-term sustainability.
With the 2025 broadband target fast approaching, the success of this initiative will be a critical test of the administration’s digital economy agenda—and its ability to position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s tech-driven future.
About The Author
