News Highlights:
- Government and industry leaders emphasize collaboration to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and expand telecommunications access.
- Key initiatives, including Project BRIDGE and Project 774, aim to connect millions of Nigerians and drive digital inclusion.
The urgent need to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and expand telecommunications access to unserved and underserved communities took centre stage at the Industry-Focused Stakeholder’s Engagement Session of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in Lagos on Thursday.
Digital TimesNG reports that the event brought together key industry players, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to advancing digital inclusion across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to digital connectivity, calling for collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“Nigeria has made significant strides in expanding connectivity and strengthening our digital technology infrastructure over the last 25 years,” he noted. “Broadband penetration has been growing significantly, bringing millions more Nigerians online and enabling new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion.”
Despite this progress, Dr. Tijani acknowledged that millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural and underserved communities, still lack reliable internet access, limiting economic opportunities and hindering the nation’s full digital potential.
“Many communities face significant barriers, including inadequate infrastructure and limited digital literacy. These gaps not only hinder economic opportunities but also limit the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy,” he said.
To address these challenges, he outlined major digital initiatives, including Project BRIDGE, a 90,000km fibre optic expansion to improve broadband coverage nationwide; Project 774, aimed at ensuring every local government secretariat in Nigeria has high-speed internet; and the Universal Access Project, designed to connect over 20 million Nigerians who currently lack access to digital services.
“These projects are not just focused on infrastructure,” he explained. “They are about enabling businesses, empowering individuals, and unlocking the full economic potential of Nigeria’s digital landscape as we work towards a $1 trillion economy.”
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, had in his welcome address, reinforced the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving sustainable digital connectivity.
He underscored the critical role of collaboration in bridging the digital divide, stating that “the USPF acknowledges the crucial role of collaboration in achieving sustainable development. 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 towards a shared goal.”
Dr. Maida highlighted the contributions of the USPF in expanding connectivity, including the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Backbone Transmission and Infrastructure projects, aligning with national and global objectives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly 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 projects have been pivotal in extending telecommunication services to underserved areas.”
Both the minister and the NCC EVC emphasized that bridging the digital divide cannot be the sole responsibility of the government. “Sustainable and impactful progress requires strong partnerships across the public and private sectors, development agencies, civil society, and local communities,” Dr. Tijani stated.
He outlined four key pillars necessary for effective collaboration: community engagement to involve local communities in digital transformation, leveraging existing infrastructure to optimize network investments, capacity building through digital literacy and entrepreneurship training, and implementing sustainable solutions that ensure long-term connectivity.
Dr. Maida on the other hand, further urged stakeholders to take decisive steps toward strengthening partnerships, calling for innovative financing models to attract investment in rural telecommunications through sustainable funding mechanisms.
He also stressed the importance of leveraging emerging technologies, including alternative power solutions, to enhance connectivity in remote regions. Additionally, he called for the promotion of policies that incentivize private-sector collaboration in expanding digital infrastructure.
“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 said.
Expressing confidence in the impact of the engagement session, Dr. Maida stated, “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 universal digital access by 2030, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that 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 sentiment, 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.”