Nigeria is set to launch the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria, an initiative aimed at boosting broadband development and adoption in Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa in the first quarter of 2024. This initiative is the brainchild of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and is designed to address challenges related to low-fibre network rollout in the country.
The announcement was made by the office of the Minister, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, in a white paper titled “Broadband Access for All: Introduction Deepening Nigeria’s National Backbone and Middle Mile Infrastructure.” The paper emphasized the critical need for reliable and affordable internet access, noting that limited access poses economic and knowledge exchange barriers for individuals and communities.
The white paper highlighted the significant benefits that nations can gain, including speed, reliability, and future scaling, by building modern broadband infrastructures. It quoted the 2019 Broadband Plan, which identified the need for at least 120,000km of fiber optic cables to achieve the country’s coverage goals. However, the paper acknowledged the challenges associated with laying these optic cables.
The National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria is positioned as a multi-stakeholder collaboration that aims to address these challenges. By bringing together various stakeholders, the initiative seeks to facilitate the development and adoption of broadband in targeted states, contributing to the overall enhancement of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
The initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to advancing digital technologies and expanding broadband access across the country. As Nigeria continues to work towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring widespread internet connectivity, the National Broadband Alliance represents a strategic effort to overcome existing barriers and promote inclusive digital growth.
