The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), a policy initiative aimed at expanding internet access nationwide.
The initiative targets key sectors, including schools, healthcare facilities, religious centers, and markets, in a bid to create a sustainable model for widespread broadband adoption.
The NBAN aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) and the Strategic Blueprint from the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
The initiative’s goals include increasing broadband penetration from 44% in December 2024 to 70% by 2025, providing minimum data speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, and boosting broadband investments by 300-500% by 2027.
The NBAN adopts a collaborative approach, bringing together state governments, schools, hospitals, telecom operators, and infrastructure companies to drive broadband expansion across the country. The initiative starts with a pilot program in eight states: Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa.
According to Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the NCC, achieving the initiative’s goals will require a holistic approach that includes strategic partnerships with donors, investors, and other key stakeholders.
In related news, the NCC has approved a 50% tariff increase for telecom operators, with the condition that service quality must improve within three months.
Additionally, the NCC has reportedly approved a roaming and spectrum-sharing agreement between MTN Nigeria and 9mobile.
Airtel Nigeria has also outlined plans to expand its network to more locations, upgrade existing sites, and enhance service delivery. However, meeting the NCC’s three-month deadline may be a challenge.
Nigeria’s internet penetration currently stands at 44%, significantly lower than South Africa and Egypt. The country also struggles with low-speed internet deployment, with 4G penetration at 47% and 5G at just 2.4%, two years after its launch.
Industry stakeholders have highlighted the need to address multiple taxation, vandalism of telecom infrastructure, and insecurity across the country.
The NBAN initiative aims to address these challenges through streamlined regulatory processes, incentives for private-sector investment, and public awareness campaigns.
