Olufemi Adeyemi

The Federal Government has launched the National Broadband Alliance, a fresh initiative designed to revamp the country’s digital infrastructure and enhance connectivity nationwide.

This announcement was made on Tuesday in Lagos by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who was represented by Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission.

During his speech, Tijani highlighted that the NBAN is set to greatly improve broadband access, which has jumped from a mere 6 percent in 2015 to around 42 percent as of October 2024.

To back this plan, the government is using a Special Purpose Vehicle to roll out 90,000 km of fiber backbone throughout the country, aiming to connect underserved and rural areas to high-speed internet.

He mentioned that this initiative is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes innovation, technology, and teamwork as essential for national growth.

Tijani also pointed out that this expansion will not only provide better access to reliable broadband but will also empower Nigerians, especially those in rural communities.

“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,” Tijani said.

The minister highlighted the critical role of strategic partnerships with donors, investors, and other essential stakeholders in realizing the objectives outlined in the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025). 

He stated that these collaborations are vital for addressing the challenges associated with infrastructure development and ensuring that broadband services are both affordable and accessible to all Nigerians.

“These objectives demonstrate our steadfast dedication to making broadband available, affordable, and inclusive for every Nigerian. Nonetheless, we recognize the obstacles that lie ahead.

Tijani emphasized that meeting the government's targets—achieving 70 percent broadband penetration by 2025, ensuring a minimum internet speed of 25 Mbps in urban areas, and providing broadband access to 80 percent of the population by 2027—will necessitate ongoing efforts.

“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,” he added.