As the Federal Government firm up plans for the deployment of the 90,000km fibre optic cable, with some states pledging their support to ensure the success of the project.

Projected to take off by quarter three, according to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, Adamawa, Kebbi, Bauchi, Anambra, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kaduna, Enugu and Nasarawa states have all waived right of way (RoW) levies, while Kwara charges only N1 per linear meter.

This was disclosed yesterday in Lagos at the unveiling of the National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN) by the Federal Government in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

While the Federal Government acknowledged the slow implementation of the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) due to several challenges, which are slowing digitisation, Tijani said the NBAN is not just an initiative, but also a transformative journey that would pave the way for a digitally connected Nigeria. He said it aligned seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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Tijani represented by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, said efforts are being channeled towards the deployment of the 90,000km fibre cable, noting that underutilisation of existing infrastructure hinders digital transformation and also negatively impacts the return on investment. He said this creates a vicious cycle – one that must be broken to realise the full potential of broadband and its contribution to the digital economy.

The minister said the goal of the NBAN is simple yet profound, which is to transform broadband into a catalyst for socio-economic development. By aggregating demand across key sectors —schools, healthcare facilities, religious centres, and markets — we will create an economically viable model for broadband adoption.

In his own message, Maida, who called for the collaboration of stakeholders, saying: “we stand here at the intersection of opportunity and transformation, recognising that the true potential of Nigeria’s digital economy can only be realised when we come together, government, private sector, regulators and civil society in a spirit of collaboration.”

According to him, the launch of NBAN represents a pivotal moment in driving collaboration and tackling the key challenges that have hindered broadband expansion.

“From high-rises to infrastructure vandalism to investment barriers and the need for demand-driven solutions, NBAN offers a comprehensive framework to overcome these obstacles and unlock the potential of broadband connectivity. This framework will steer our collective efforts to bridge the digital divide, ensuring broadband connectivity becomes a powerful catalyst for job creation, innovation, economic growth and social development,” he stated.

Marshalling the panel session, the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives, Bismarck Rewane, noted that Nigeria has secured $2 million U.S. grant to expand fibre optic network by 90,000 km, stressing that World Bank also pledges $500 million to support the network expansion
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According to him, this is expected to deliver up to 1.5 per cent of GDP growth per capita raising GDP from $472.6 billion (2022) to $502 billion over the next four years. He said it will also help in increasing Internet penetration in Nigeria to over 70 per cent and reduce the cost of access to the internet by over 60 per cent.

According to him, with the right investment, the Nigerian telecoms sector contributions to GDP can eb increased from 12.1 per cent in 2024 to 16.8 per cent by 2028.

According to him, investment in developing Internet infrastructure and broadband connectivity will increase data consumption by businesses and individuals.
He said expanding rural broadband will promote inclusive access, empowering underseved communities with education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

He said broadband growth will create tech jobs and drive demand for digital skills supported by training programmes and government initiatives. Reiterating states’ support, the Director General, Zamfara Technology Development Agency, Habibb Gajam, said, as part of efforts to encourage digitization, the state has waived RoW charges.

Gajam said despite the insecurity in the state, Zamfara still made remarkable gains in digital sector, saying the state is currently building long stretch of fibre infrastructure.
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