In a bold move to accelerate Nigeria’s economic prosperity, the Federal Government has placed a renewed focus on improving the nation’s connectivity infrastructure. Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, recently announced the launch of the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), a strategic initiative aimed at addressing key challenges in the country’s digital landscape.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr. Tijani highlighted the critical role of robust connectivity in driving national development. “As we work towards accelerating our collective prosperity as a nation, improving our connectivity infrastructure is a critical part of our plans as a government,” he stated. The Minister underscored the government’s recognition that a solid digital infrastructure is foundational to achieving broad-based economic growth and inclusivity.
The National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) is designed to tackle the persistent challenges of low data consumption and the resultant poor return on investment (ROI) in the nationwide fiber network. The alliance will serve as a platform for collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners, all working together to advance broadband development and adoption across the country.
Dr. Tijani pointed out that the NBAN aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of the global digital landscape. “To support that investment and tackle the challenge of low and non-consumption of data and its resultant poor ROI in the nationwide fiber network, we launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) to help foster collaboration for broadband development and adoption, as well as position Nigeria at the forefront of the global digital landscape,” he explained.
The Minister also emphasized that while improving the supply and quality of broadband is essential, there is an equally pressing need to stimulate demand. The government is not only focused on enhancing infrastructure but is also creating avenues to increase digital literacy and encourage widespread usage of digital services. “As we improve the quality and quality of supply of broadband, we are also creating ways to increase demand,” Dr. Tijani added.
The NBAN is expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide, especially in underserved areas, by ensuring that high-speed broadband is accessible to all Nigerians. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance digital inclusion, stimulate economic growth, and empower citizens to participate fully in the digital economy.
As the government continues to roll out this ambitious plan, the success of the National Broadband Alliance will be measured by tangible improvements in broadband accessibility, affordability, and overall digital inclusion. With this initiative, Nigeria is setting the stage to not only catch up with global digital standards but to become a leader in the digital economy.
