The Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other stakeholders in the telecoms industry are seeking for ways to bridge the country’s digital divide.
This was the main essence of the gathering of stakeholders at a high-powered engagement session, organised by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), held in Lagos on Thursday.
The event was themed “Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure in the Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating For Sustainable Growth.”
The session underscored the urgent need for stronger partnerships to extend connectivity to unserved and underserved communities across the country.
In his remarks, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted Nigeria’s progress in digital expansion over the past 25 years.
He stated that, while broadband penetration has grown significantly, millions of Nigerians still lack access to reliable connectivity, particularly in rural areas.
The minister emphasised that the Federal Government was determined to change the reality, noting that a major part of the strategy involved the implementation of large-scale initiatives aimed at enhancing broadband infrastructure.
Among the projects, he said, were Project BRIDGE which sought to extend 90,000km of fiber-optic cables across Nigeria; and Project 774 which will provide high-speed connectivity to every local government secretariat in the country.
“These initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of ensuring meaningful and affordable connectivity for all Nigerians,” Tijani said.
The minister also emphasised that digital inclusion in the telecoms sector goes beyond infrastructure development.
He stressed the importance of empowering Nigerians with the necessary digital skills through initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s tech workforce.
“Other programmes, such as the Universal Access Project, are expected to connect over 20 million Nigerians currently excluded from digital services,” the minster noted.
In his welcome address, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the pivotal role of the USPF in expanding access to telecoms services.
He said the USPF has implemented numerous connectivity projects, including the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Backbone Transmission Infrastructure to improve network coverage in underserved areas.
Maida further stressed the need for innovative financing models to attract investment in rural telecommunications
He urged stakeholders to leverage emerging technologies and alternative energy solutions for sustainable connectivity.
The NCC boss called for policies that incentivise private-sector participation in infrastructure development.
“I want to use this platform today, to urge all stakeholders to take decisive steps toward strengthening partnerships.
“Let us harness our collective expertise, resources and innovative capabilities to build a resilient and sustainable telecoms infrastructure that will empower millions of Nigerians.
“We must remember that collaboration remains the cornerstone of sustainable development in this sector.
“Crucially, I must mention that our solutions must be tailored to address local challenges/needs and align with current realities.
“I am confident that the deliberations from this engagement will lead to actionable solutions that will drive progress, foster economic development and ultimately transform lives through connectivity in the most remote corners of our nation.
“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,” Maida said.
The session served as a platform for stakeholder, including mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, development partners and government agencies, to discuss strategies for enhancing collaboration and expand telecoms access in underserved communities.
