FG says inadequate infrastructure limits full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy

The federal government says inadequate infrastructure and limited digital literacy are hindering personal and business growth, as well as limiting the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy.

Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, spoke at a stakeholder engagement event for the universal service provision fund (USPF) on Thursday.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,’ Tijani said Nigeria has made significant strides in expanding
connectivity, however, there are still millions of Nigerians who are yet to have access to reliable connectivity.

“Over the last 25 years, Nigeria has made significant strides in expanding connectivity and strengthening our digital technology infrastructure,” he said.

“In recent years, broadband penetration has been growing significantly, bringing millions more Nigerians online and enabling new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion.

“Today, however, there are still millions of Nigerians on the fringes of digital transformation who are yet to have access to reliable connectivity.

“Many communities—particularly rural areas—face significant barriers, including inadequate infrastructure and limited digital literacy. These gaps not only hinder personal and business growth but also limit the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy.”

Tijani said the USPF has been a critical instrument in the federal governments’s mission to extend connectivity to the communities lacking access.

“By supporting infrastructure expansion, fostering local innovation, and driving inclusive policies, the USPF aligns with the His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)’s goal of enabling meaningful and affordable connectivity for all Nigerians,” he added.

The minister said the ministry is also actively driving transformative projects aimed at unlocking digital opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

According to Tijani, some of the initiatives include Project BRIDGE, which is a 90,000-kilometre (km) fibre optic expansion meant to significantly improve broadband penetration across Nigeria.

“Project 774: This initiative ensures that every local government secretariat in Nigeria benefits from high-speed connectivity, fostering grassroots digital transformation,” he added.

“The Universal Access Project: A game-changing initiative targeted at connecting over 20 million Nigerians who currently have no access to digital services.

“The National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN): Our multi-stakeholder effort to drive collaboration across government and private sector to drive universal high quality broadband access.

“The 3 Million Technical Talent programme ( 3MTT): Which is strengthening our talent pipeline to deliver a workforce to improve the digital ecosystem.”

‘NCC BRIDGING DIGITAL DIVIDE’

Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), says the regulator has been using the USPF to provide universal access and universal service.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through the USPF, has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at providing universal access and universal service,” Maida said.

“These efforts align with broader national and global goals, including bridging the digital divide, promoting universal access, fostering economic growth and social inclusion, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals “SDGs 4” (Quality Education) and 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

“Over time, the USPF has successfully implemented several projects under its access and connectivity programmes.

“Given the focus of this event, it is important to highlight key connectivity projects such as the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), Backbone Transmission and Infrastructure, amongst others.

“This engagement serves as a vital platform to discuss practical strategies to enhance the impact of these projects through strengthened partnerships.”

Maida said government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecom trade groups must work closely together to achieve digital inclusion.

“It is for this reason that a multistakeholder approach is essential to: Explore innovative financing models to attract investment in rural telecommunications.

“Leverage emerging technologies and alternative power solutions for sustainable connectivity.”

Maida said the stakeholders will promote policies that incentivise collaborative participation in connectivity projects.