The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) to accelerate digital transformation and bridge the digital divide. The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy led the initiative to reform Internet Access nationwide and ensure that every Nigerian can benefit from reliable, high-speed broadband connectivity. The launch ceremony, which took place in Lagos, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward becoming a digitally inclusive nation, with broadband positioned as a key driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and technological advancement.
Meanwhile, the program is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises Innovation and Technology as pillars of national development. With Nigeria’s broadband penetration currently at 42 percent, up from a mere six percent in 2015, the government is now setting its sights on achieving 70 percent penetration by 2025. This includes targets such as minimum internet speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, as well as 80 percent population coverage by 2027. The initiative also seeks to increase its investments by 300 to 500% over the next few years.
Expanding infrastructure to connect underserved communities.
At the heart of the NBAN initiative is a plan to deploy 90,000 kilometres of backbone fibre across the country, connecting even the most remote and underserved communities. This massive Infrastructure project will be driven by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The SPV will oversee investments and ensure the efficient deployment of fibre optic cables, addressing one of the most significant barriers to internet access in the country.
Despite the growing availability of its infrastructure, many fibre networks remain underutilised due to challenges such as limited device access, low digital literacy, and regulatory bottlenecks. The NBAN aims to tackle these issues by acting as a demand aggregator, ensuring its adoption is prioritised in schools, healthcare facilities, businesses, and rural communities. By focusing on infrastructure deployment and demand generation, the initiative will seek to create a sustainable ecosystem where connectivity becomes a fundamental right for all citizens.
Collaborative efforts to overcome barriers and drive adoption.
Therefore, the program’s success relies on a collaborative approach involving government agencies, Private Sector players, Civil Society organisations, and academia. This multi-stakeholder model is designed to address the complex challenges hindering its expansion, including high right-of-way fees, infrastructure vandalism, and Investment barriers. Pilot states such as Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa have already taken proactive steps to create a favourable environment for its deployment, setting an example for other regions to adopt.
Additionally, the private sector, particularly telecom companies and technology providers, will drive the initiative forward. By leveraging their expertise and resources, these stakeholders can help accelerate the deployment of the infrastructure and ensure its effective utilisation. Moving forward, the NBAN will focus on improving Digital Literacy and affordability, enabling more people to access and benefit from its services. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring broadband connectivity becomes a powerful tool for economic prosperity and social development.
Related Article: U.S.-Nigeria: building bridges in technology
Lastly, Kaduna State, for instance, has already made notable strides, developing a 30-kilometre active connectivity network and partnering with Huawei Technologies to expand fibre optic infrastructure. Similarly, Katsina State has also connected over 80% of government offices through a single-ring network. As these move forward, stakeholders must remain focused on addressing challenges, driving adoption, and ensuring that the program’s benefits reach every corner of the country. With strong leadership, strategic investments, and a collaborative spirit, the initiative can become a solution to digital challenges nationwide.