Chioma Ezike
In a bid to ensure equitable access to telecommunications services for all Nigerians, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has organized an industry-focused stakeholder engagement session in Lagos.
The event, themed “Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure in the Unserved and Underserved Communities, brought together key stakeholders, including the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida.
Dr. Tijani highlighted the significant progress made in expanding connectivity and strengthening Nigeria’s digital technology infrastructure. However, he noted that millions of Nigerians, particularly in remote and underserved communities, remain disconnected from digital opportunities and acknowledged that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all Nigerians have access to reliable and affordable connectivity.
To address this challenge he noted that the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has launched several initiatives, including Project 774 LG Connectivity, which aims to provide reliable internet access to all 774 local government secretariats across Nigeria and is expected to create at least 300 direct jobs and drive transformation and sustainable development in underserved communities.
In addition to these initiatives, Dr. Tijani announced plans to invest $2 billion in a 90,000km fibre-optic network to extend Nigeria’s existing backbone from 35,000 to 125,000km , this investment he explained is expected to boost opportunities offered by the digital economy to grow the economy while empowering Nigerians to participate meaningfully in the global economy.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Executive Council has approved the project of building seven thousand telecommunication towers to boast access to telecom infrastructure/connectivity.
Under the investment model, the government will hold a 49 per cent stake, while private sector investors will contribute the remaining 51 per cent, ensuring private sector efficiency in management.
Tijani emphasised that the towers will be managed by private companies, while the government plays a co-investment role to ensure that telecom services reach underserved areas.
The Federal Executive Council approved the construction of these towers on February 27 as part of a broader strategy to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity in rural and underserved regions.
He said the government has decided that if private capital cannot reach these areas, then we must step in and invest public funds in these towers to ensure our people have access,” Tijani said.
“You may ask, why is the government investing in this instead of other sectors like education? But in today’s world, anyone without connectivity is effectively cut off from opportunities and modern realities.”
He added, “Our goal is to start digging by the end of this year. On the tower side, we are also working with major companies that can support this vision.
We are putting resources together, and the plan is to begin deploying these towers nationwide early next year.”
Dr. Tijani also emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnerships in driving sustainable growth and development. He highlighted the Ministry’s partnerships with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), pointing out that the world bank has committed a huge amount and other stakeholders to promote digital inclusion and economic development.
In a remark the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC Dr. Aminu Maida emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development in the sector, urging stakeholders to take decisive steps towards strengthening partnerships to build a resilient and sustainable telecommunication infrastructure.
He acknowledged government’s commitment to the digital economy as part of its broader efforts to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on oil, and promote sustainable growth and development.
Dr Maida noted that wiith a growing youth population and a rapidly expanding digital landscape, Nigeria has significant potential for growth and innovation in the digital economy and government’s efforts to promote digital inclusion and support the growth of startups and innovation hubs are expected to create new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and social development.