The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy 90,000km of backbone fibre infrastructure as part of an ambitious effort to increase broadband penetration to 70% by 2025.
The initiative is expected to boost broadband investments by 300–500% and improve internet access across Nigeria.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this during an event in Lagos on Tuesday and also unveiled the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN).
The new platform will bring together public institutions, telecom operators, technology firms, and international partners to accelerate the expansion of high-speed internet connectivity nationwide.
“The NBAN is more than just a policy initiative. It is a commitment to a future where every Nigerian has access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in a connected world,” Tijani stated.
He was represented by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, who outlined key targets under the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025) and the Ministry’s strategic blueprint.
“Our goals include achieving 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025, delivering minimum data speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, expanding population coverage to 80 per cent by 2027, increasing broadband investments by 300–500 per cent by 2027,” he stated.
The announcement comes as Nigeria struggles to meet its broadband penetration targets with internet availability still lagging behind expectations.
Broadband penetration stood at 44.43% as of December 2024, well below the 70% target set under the National Broadband Plan.
Despite ongoing investments in infrastructure, broadband underutilisation remains a challenge with several fibre networks lying dormant due to low demand, affordability constraints and limited awareness.
To address these challenges, the NBAN will aggregate broadband demand from key sectors—including schools, hospitals, markets and religious centers—to create a sustainable business model that drives adoption and lowers service costs.
Pilot states identified for early implementation include Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno and Nasarawa with incentives planned to attract private-sector participation.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has already approved the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to oversee the 90,000km fibre rollout, a move aimed at enhancing national digital infrastructure and positioning Nigeria’s economy for long-term growth.
With the global economy increasingly reliant on digital connectivity, the government’s broadband expansion plan is expected to stimulate economic activities, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the African and global digital landscape.
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