FG launches national broadband alliance to accelerate digital transformation
LAGOS—The Federal Government, yesterday, launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria, NBAN, in Lagos to accelerate broadband penetration and foster socio-economic growth across the country.
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, 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 Tinubu.
The minister, who was represented by the Executive Vice-Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, explained: “The NBAN initiative aims to bridge connectivity gaps, drive digital inclusion, and unlock economic opportunities through strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors.
“Nigeria has witnessed significant progress in broadband expansion, increasing penetration from six penetrations in 2015 to approximately 42 penetrations as of October 2024.
“However, challenges such as infrastructure gaps, underutilization of fibre networks, affordability, and digital literacy continue to limit full adoption.
“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 also a driver of productivity, innovation and economic diversification. Through NBAN, we will harness the power of digital infrastructure to enhance education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and governance.’
While stating the key objectives of NBAN, the minister said the initiative “aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan, 2020–2025, and the ministry’s digital economy strategy, targets 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.’’
