Lagos: Nigeria’s digital economy has seen significant progress in improving and expanding network connectivity during the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The administration has launched an ambitious plan to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria, aiming to provide internet access to underserved and unconnected communities nationwide. This initiative is a central pillar of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, committed to leveraging digital infrastructure for economic growth and social inclusion.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, internet penetration in Nigeria has steadily increased, reaching around 45 percent of the population by early 2024, a significant rise from just 15 percent a decade ago. The number of unconnected clusters and areas with limited network access has decreased from 207 to 87. The government is actively working with partners to improve network connectivity in underserved communities to 70 percent by 2025 through infrastructure development and digital empowerment programs.
Efforts to enhance broadband connectivity are underway, focusing on expanding fibre optic networks. Recently, the Federal Government unveiled a pilot project to expand network connectivity in rural communities. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced plans to invest in 7,000 towers in underserved communities. He emphasized the importance of internet connectivity in transforming Nigeria’s economy, touching nearly every aspect of development, including tech startups, e-commerce, fintech, and digital services.
Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), highlighted that digital transformation is not just about technology but about building a responsive government. The ministry and NITDA are driving reforms aligned with the president’s vision. Dr. Muhammad Sirajo, President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), noted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in developing resilient solutions for a connected world.
A strategic initiative under the digital transformation agenda is the National Broadband Alliance (NBAN), launched in early 2025. This multi-stakeholder platform aims to accelerate broadband penetration and foster socio-economic growth. The government has approved a $2 billion initiative to expand Nigeria’s fibre-optic network by an additional 90,000 kilometers, positioning Nigeria as the third-largest terrestrial fibre-optic network in Africa.
The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, unveiled in October 2023, aims to train three million Nigerians in technical and digital skills by 2027. The Local Government Connectivity Initiative seeks to provide broadband connectivity to all 774 local government secretariats within six months.
Stakeholders believe that Tinubu’s digital transformation agenda underscores a commitment to inclusivity and economic empowerment. By addressing infrastructure deficits, fostering digital skills, and ensuring regulatory support, the administration aims to create a digitally connected Nigeria where every citizen has access to the opportunities the internet offers.