By prioritizing underserved rural areas and regions affected by security challenges, notably in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, as well as approximately 300 communities throughout Nigeria, the federal government has finalized its comprehensive plan to achieve affordable internet and broadband services nationwide....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
According to The Nation, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, is spearheading this initiative in collaboration with telecom stakeholders and regulatory bodies. The aim is to enhance and expedite broadband penetration, which currently stands at 45.5 percent.
While the government is enthusiastic about this advancement, telecom companies have expressed concerns regarding challenges such as multiple taxes, levies, access to foreign exchange, and the complexities associated with the right of way (RoW). Addressing these issues is vital for the government’s strategy to yield prompt and effective results.
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on generating employment, creating wealth, and alleviating poverty, Dr. Tijani is actively pursuing his agenda for the ministry.
An initiative has been approved for the first quarter of 2024 to boost broadband development and adoption in specific states, including Ogun, Edo, Kwara, Imo, Katsina, Abia, Nasarawa, and Borno.
Notably, Katsina, Kwara, and Edo states have implemented a zero-charge policy for RoW, facilitating the smooth installation of fiber optic cables and infrastructure by telecom companies.
Dr. Tijani’s initiative, named the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria, aims to tackle the challenges related to low-fiber network rollout in the country.
The emphasis is on a collaborative approach involving the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, to develop telecom infrastructure and create sustainable business models for driving internet adoption.
A document titled “Broadband Access for All: Introduction to Deepening Nigeria’s National Backbone and Middle Mile Infrastructure” underscores the significance of state-of-the-art broadband infrastructure in achieving unprecedented benefits in terms of internet and broadband services’ speed, reliability, and future scalability.
By the end of Q1 2024, the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria will commence its pilot phase in seven states: Ogun, Edo, Kwara, Imo, Katsina, Abia, Nasarawa, and Borno…CONTINUE READING>>
