Nigeria moves to close digital divide, expands telecommunications access

The urgent need to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and extend telecommunications services to unserved and underserved communities took center stage at the Industry-Focused Stakeholder’s Engagement Session of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), held in Lagos on Thursday.

The high-profile event gathered key industry players, policymakers, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing digital inclusion across the nation.

Discussions focused on innovative strategies to accelerate digital access, enhance infrastructure deployment, and foster partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Addressing attendees, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring universal access to digital connectivity.

He stressed the need for collaboration between government agencies, private sector investors, and civil society organizations to drive sustainable progress.

“Nigeria has made significant strides in expanding connectivity and strengthening our digital technology infrastructure over the last 25 years,” Dr. Tijani stated.

“Broadband penetration has been growing significantly, bringing millions more Nigerians online and enabling new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion.”

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Despite this progress, the minister acknowledged that millions of Nigerians, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, still lack reliable internet access. He identified inadequate infrastructure and limited digital literacy as key barriers preventing full participation in the digital economy.

“To address these challenges, we are implementing major digital initiatives,” he announced. “Project BRIDGE will extend 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic infrastructure to improve broadband coverage nationwide. Project 774 aims to ensure that every local government secretariat in Nigeria has high-speed internet. The Universal Access Project is also set to connect over 20 million Nigerians who currently lack access to digital services.”

“These projects are not just about infrastructure,” he continued. “They are about enabling businesses, empowering individuals, and unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential as we work towards a $1 trillion digital economy.”

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In his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, reinforced the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving sustainable digital connectivity.

“The USPF recognizes that collaboration is essential for sustainable development,” he said. “The success of universal access initiatives depends on bringing together government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, development partners, and telecom trade groups to work toward a shared goal.”

Dr. Maida highlighted the USPF’s contributions to expanding connectivity through projects such as the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Backbone Transmission and Infrastructure projects.

These efforts align with national and global objectives, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

“Over time, the USPF has successfully implemented several projects under its access and connectivity programs,” he noted. “Key initiatives have played a pivotal role in extending telecommunication services to underserved areas.”

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Both Dr. Tijani and Dr. Maida emphasized that bridging the digital divide requires a collective effort beyond government intervention. “Sustainable and impactful progress requires strong partnerships across the public and private sectors, development agencies, civil society, and local communities,” Dr. Tijani stressed.

Dr. Maida echoed these sentiments and urged stakeholders to take decisive steps toward strengthening partnerships. He called for innovative financing models to attract investments in rural telecommunications and highlighted the need for alternative power solutions to enhance connectivity in remote areas.

“I want to use this platform today to urge all stakeholders to harness our collective expertise, resources, and innovative capabilities to build a resilient and sustainable telecommunication infrastructure that will empower millions of Nigerians,” he stated.

Expressing confidence in the impact of the engagement session, Dr. Maida added, “I am confident that the deliberations from this engagement will lead to actionable solutions that will drive progress, foster economic development, and transform lives through connectivity in the most remote corners of our nation.”

As Nigeria works toward achieving universal digital access by 2030, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring no community is left behind. “We have the vision, the policy framework, and the will to connect every Nigerian to the digital economy. But we need your partnership to explore innovative ways to deliver on our plans,” Dr. Tijani urged.

Dr. Maida echoed this call, stating, “Together, we can build a future where digital connectivity is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that no community is left in the digital dark.”

The engagement session concluded with a renewed sense of urgency to implement policies and strategies that will accelerate the expansion of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, paving the way for economic growth, job creation, and enhanced quality of life for millions of Nigerians.

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