In a bold move to bridge the digital divide and propel Nigeria into a new era of economic and social transformation, the Federal Government has launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN). This groundbreaking initiative, unveiled on Tuesday in Lagos, aims to accelerate broadband penetration, connect underserved communities, and unlock the untapped potential of Nigeria’s digital economy. With ambitious targets and a multi-stakeholder approach, NBAN promises to be a game-changer for millions of Nigerians still living in the dark age of no internet connectivity.
The launch event, spearheaded by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward digital inclusion. Represented by the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, the Minister emphasized that broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity for national development. “Broadband is not just about connectivity; it is a driver of productivity, innovation, and economic diversification,” he declared.
Nigeria has made commendable progress in expanding broadband access, with penetration rates soaring from a mere 6% in 2015 to approximately 42% as of October 2024. Yet, despite this progress, millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, remain disconnected. The NBAN initiative seeks to change this narrative by deploying 90,000 kilometers of fiber backbone across the country, ensuring that even the most remote communities can access high-speed internet.
It is not just about laying cables; it’s about creating a digital ecosystem that empowers Nigerians and drives socio-economic growth. The government has set ambitious targets: 70% broadband penetration by 2025, minimum internet speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, 80% population coverage by 2027, and a staggering 300–500% increase in broadband investments. Achieving these goals will require more than just government effort, it will demand collaboration across sectors.
To this end, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to oversee the deployment of the fiber backbone. This SPV will catalyze public-private partnerships, bringing together government agencies, businesses, investors, and international donors. “The NBAN initiative aims to bridge connectivity gaps, drive digital inclusion, and unlock economic opportunities through strategic partnerships,” Dr. Maida explained.
While the vision to achieve 70% connectivity is a great one, the path to achieving it is fraught with challenges. Infrastructure gaps, underutilized fiber networks, affordability issues, and low digital literacy remain significant barriers. For instance, many Nigerians in rural areas cannot afford internet services, while others lack the skills to use digital tools effectively. The NBAN initiative addresses these challenges head-on by aggregating demand across key sectors such as education, healthcare, financial services, governance, and e-commerce.
By focusing on these sectors, the government aims to create a ripple effect that will make broadband more accessible and affordable. For example, connecting schools to high-speed internet will enable e-learning, while linking healthcare facilities will facilitate telemedicine services. Similarly, expanding broadband access in rural areas will boost financial inclusion, allowing more Nigerians to participate in the digital economy.
The potential impact of NBAN extends far beyond connectivity. Broadband is a powerful enabler of economic growth, innovation, and job creation. By providing reliable internet access, the initiative will empower entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startups to thrive in the digital economy. It will also attract foreign investments, as investors are more likely to put their money into countries with robust digital infrastructure.
Broadband access will also enhance governance by enabling e-governance services, reducing bureaucracy, and improving transparency. It will also encourage social inclusion by connecting marginalized communities to the global digital ecosystem. “Through the NBAN, we will harness the power of digital infrastructure to enhance education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and governance,” Dr. Tijani emphasized.
As Nigeria embarks on this ambitious journey, the success of NBAN will depend on sustained commitment and collaboration. The government must continue to engage stakeholders, secure funding, and address regulatory bottlenecks. At the same time, the private sector must step up its investments in digital infrastructure and innovation.
The launch of NBAN marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s digital transformation story. It is a bold step toward a future where every Nigerian, regardless of where they live, can access the opportunities that the digital economy offers.
