In a significant move to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, the federal government has unveiled plans to build 7,000 new communication towers in rural areas. This strategic project aligns with the administration’s vision of fostering digital inclusion, expanding telecommunications access, and improving digital connectivity nationwide. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, disclosed this information after a meeting with Airtel executives alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The program is a component of the larger national strategy to enhance digital infrastructure, complementing the ongoing installation of 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables across the nation. Dr. Tijani stressed that the government’s objective is not just to supply essential Telecommunication services but to provide high-quality connectivity that improves consumers’ whole experience. The tower’s Construction has been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as part of the administration’s initiatives to improve digital infrastructure, which is essential for social inclusion and economic growth.
Broader vision targets expanding broadband penetration.
Dr. Tijani also addressed the recent decision to raise telecom rates by 50%, which has generated controversy. He clarified that the price adjustment was based on an independent study led by KPMG, aimed at striking a balance between consumer affordability and the financial Sustainability of telecom operators. He elaborated that the decision is necessary to prevent job losses, company closures, and the demise of the telecom industry, which is essential to Nigeria’s plan for digital transformation. The just-announced initiative is a little aspect of the ministry’s big objective to significantly enhance Broadband penetration and internet accessibility.
By 2025, the ministry wants to reach 70% broadband penetration to ensure that more Nigerians have access to dependable and quick internet services. Furthermore, the administration plans to increase population coverage to 80% by 2027 by providing minimum internet speeds of 10 Mbps in rural areas and 25 Mbps in urban areas. This vision also calls for increasing broadband investments by 300–500% by 2027, which will be facilitated by the expanding availability of fiber networks nationwide.
Bridging the digital divide with the NUCA project.
Recently, the federal government received clearance for the Nigeria Universal Communication Access (NUCA) Project, which is intended to give over 21 million Nigerians who currently lack access to basic communication services. This approval is a significant boost to efforts to promote digital inclusion. As contained in the (vol 73) #WeekInReview of Dr Tijani activity, it was revealed that the project is designed to connect 4,834 communities in underserved regions and will be implemented through a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) model. The NUCA Project is consistent with the ministry’s strategic plan, which focuses on building Infrastructure to close the digital divide and give underserved populations access to vital communication services.
Also, the Federal Executive Council has recently approved the National Artificial Intelligence Trust (NAIT), a trailblazing project that seeks to stimulate investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure, policy creation, and innovation. The NAIT is strategically poised to play a significant part in revolutionizing the country’s Economy by leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance a number of industries, such as healthcare, agriculture, and financial services, positioning the country as a leading player in the global artificial intelligence landscape.
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As part of its broader digital transformation agenda, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy recently launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), a collaborative platform designed to accelerate broadband development across the country. It is anticipated that when these revolutionary projects come to fruition, they will have a cascading effect that will empower millions of Nigerians, improve their standard of living, and establish the country as Africa’s preeminent digital economy. This will open up new avenues for social inclusion, healthcare, education, and economic progress.