Connectivity: Nigeria unveils National Broadband Alliance to drive digital transformation, prosperity

*Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, launches the National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria, a fresh initiative aimed at transforming the digital infrastructure and boosting Broadband connectivity, as well as collaboration as key drivers of national prosperity in the West African country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Government has launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), a new initiative unveiled to transform digital infrastructure, boost connectivity, and ensure economic prosperity across the country.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, activated the NBAN project at event Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in Lagos.

Represented on the occasion by Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Tijani, in a Keynote Speech stated that NBAN would significantly enhance Broadband penetration, which has grown from just six percent, in 2015, to approximately 42 percent as of October 2024.

As part of moves to support the Nigeria Digital Economy, the Federal Government has indicated that it is leveraging a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to deploy 90,000 km of fibre backbone, connecting underserved and rural communities to high-speed Internet across the country.

The Minister also averred that the NBAN initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises innovation, technology, and collaboration as key drivers of national prosperity.

How Nigerian consumers can enjoy ‘benefits of reliable, high-speed Internet’

Tijani further stated that the expansion would not only improve access to reliable Broadband connectivity but also empower Nigerian consumers, especially in the rural areas.

He said: “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.”

He equally stressed the significance of strategic partnerships with donors, investors, and other key industry stakeholders in achieving the goals outlined in the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025).

These collaborations, he noted, will be essential in overcoming infrastructure development challenges and making Broadband affordable and accessible for all Nigerian consumers.

The Minister also explained: “These targets reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Broadband is accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all Nigerians. According to him, the government is also aware of the challenges ahead.

He emphasised that achieving the government’s targets—70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025, a minimum Internet speed of 25 mbps in urban areas, and Broadband access for 80 percent of the population by 2027—will require sustained efforts by the stakeholders in the digital ecosystem.

Tijani said: “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.”

NDPC Chief: Digital identity is foundation of digitisation

Likewise, in his goodwill message on the occasion, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), commended the Federal Government for the initiative.

Olatunji emphasised the need for adequate and affordable broadband to leverage digitalisation for sustainable development.

He also urged all attendees—including representatives from the Federal Government, State Governments, the private sector, civil society groups, and the media—to view the initiative as a positive step by the Federal Government and collaborate to ensure its success.

Dr. Olatunji noted that foreign investors consider adequate broadband penetration when making investment decisions.

The NDPC Chief Executive also stressed the importance of digital identity as the foundation of digitisation and emphasised the need to safeguard Nigerians’ personal data through the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

Other dignitaries at the launch included the CEOs of Galaxy Backbone, NIPOST, and NigComSat as well as other heads of agencies from the Federal and State Governments, civil society groups, and key stakeholders in the digital economy sector.

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