The National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) was officially launched in a bid to promote collaboration and enhance broadband connectivity across the country. The initiative, which seeks to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy, was introduced with the goal of addressing the country’s broadband infrastructure challenges.
Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, was represented by Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who delivered the keynote address. Dr. Maida emphasized the government’s commitment to broadband expansion, highlighting the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the initiative’s objectives.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), delivered a goodwill message, praising the Federal Government for its proactive step in launching the NBAN. He stressed the necessity of ensuring that broadband connectivity remains affordable and accessible to all Nigerians, to fully harness the benefits of digitalisation for sustainable development.
Dr. Olatunji urged attendees, including representatives from the Federal and State Governments, the private sector, civil society groups, and the media, to embrace the initiative as a critical opportunity for national progress. He highlighted that foreign investors often factor in broadband penetration when making investment decisions, emphasizing the need for adequate infrastructure to attract global capital.
The NDPC CEO also underlined the importance of digital identity as a foundation for successful digitisation in Nigeria. He called for stronger protections for personal data under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, stressing the importance of securing citizens’ information in an increasingly digital world.
The launch event attracted several prominent figures from both the public and private sectors. CEOs of major organisations, including Galaxy Backbone, NIPOST, and NIGCOMSAT, were in attendance, alongside other heads of agencies, key stakeholders from civil society groups, and leading figures in Nigeria’s digital economy.
As Nigeria takes a giant step toward becoming a digital economy powerhouse, the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria stands as a crucial initiative that seeks to bridge the country’s digital divide and ensure broad access to reliable and affordable broadband for all.
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