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Nigeria is gearing up to implement the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria initiative in the first quarter of 2024, aiming to enhance broadband development and adoption in states including Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa.
Proposed by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the initiative addresses challenges related to low-fibre network rollout in the country. The Ministry, under the leadership of Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, outlined its vision in a white paper titled “Broadband Access for All: Introduction Deepening Nigeria’s National Backbone and Middle Mile Infrastructure.”
The document emphasizes the growing necessity for reliable and affordable Internet access, citing barriers faced by individuals and communities in navigating the interconnected world. The National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria is designed as a multi-stakeholder collaboration to spearhead efforts towards achieving universal broadband access nationwide.
The initiative seeks to bring together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, to collaboratively develop sustainable business models. The primary focus is on driving the adoption and consumption of the Internet in critical public institutions, such as schools, hospitals, government offices, libraries, and markets across the nation.
The Alliance aims to foster coordination among government agencies, telecommunication companies, technology providers, and civil society organizations. By streamlining processes and removing obstacles, it aims to expedite the nationwide expansion of broadband services. Additionally, the National Broadband Alliance will work closely with regulatory bodies to facilitate the swift deployment of broadband networks.
The initiative underscores its commitment to digital inclusion and awareness, ensuring that all segments of society benefit from broadband connectivity and participate in the digital economy. The rollout plan targets seven states in the initial phase, including Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa.
As part of the Ministry’s strategic blueprint, this move aligns with efforts to strengthen the digital economy, with connectivity as a key driver. The initiative represents a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s broadband penetration targets, contributing to the broader goal of ensuring affordable access for all, including rural and underserved parts of the country.
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