FG launches National Broadband Alliance to accelerate digital transformation
The Federal Government, FG, on Tuesday launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria, NBAN, in Lagos to accelerate broadband penetration and foster socio-economic growth across the country.
The NBAN is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together government, businesses, and partners to expand internet access, increase usage, and promote digital inclusion in Nigeria. Its goal is to make broadband a key driver of economic and social growth.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasized the critical role of broadband in shaping Nigeria’s digital economy, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The minister, who was represented by the executive vice-chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, explained that “the NBAN initiative aims to bridge connectivity gaps, drive digital inclusion, and unlock economic opportunities through strategic partnerships across public and private sectors.”
The minister said, “Nigeria has witnessed significant progress in broadband expansion, increasing penetration from 6% in 2015 to approximately 42% as of October 2024.
“However, challenges such as infrastructure gaps, underutilization of fibre networks, affordability, and digital literacy continue to limit full adoption.
“The NBAN is designed to address these issues by aggregating demand across key sectors including education, healthcare, financial services, governance, and e-commerce to make broadband more accessible and affordable.
“Broadband is not just about connectivity; it is a driver of productivity, innovation, and economic diversification. Through the NBAN, we will harness the power of digital infrastructure to enhance education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and governance,” the minister stated.
Stating the key objectives of NBAN, he explained that the initiative “aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan, 2020–2025, and the Ministry’s digital economy strategy, targeting 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025.
“Minimum speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, 80 per cent population coverage by 2027, and a 300–500 per cent increase in broadband investments.
“To achieve these targets, the Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved a Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, to deploy 90,000 km of fibre backbone nationwide, ensuring that even the most underserved communities benefit from broadband services,” he explained.
