FG Urges Private Sector to Close Nigeria’s Broadband Last-Mile Gap

The Federal Government has called on private-sector players to partner with it in closing Nigeria’s last-mile broadband gap, saying massive investments in infrastructure will only translate into real impact if matched by affordable devices, tailored services, and targeted connectivity for key institutions.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the Flagship Nigeria: Electrification + Connectivity Convening.

Tijani said Nigeria is currently leading Africa in deep digital infrastructure investments, noting that improved internet access and service quality would become visible over the next year as ongoing projects begin to come online.

He said the government’s focus is now shifting beyond laying fibre and towers to ensuring that ordinary Nigerians, especially those in rural and underserved communities, can actually access and use digital services meaningfully.

Massive infrastructure rollout underway

Tijani said Nigeria is the only African country currently investing in a 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic network supported by the World Bank, while also committing resources to two new communications satellites and 3,700 telecom towers targeted at rural areas.

According to him, the rural towers alone are expected to connect about 20 million Nigerians who are currently offline.

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He added that when the present administration assumed office, the telecommunications sector was under strain, but the decision to approve a modest tariff adjustment restored profitability and unlocked fresh investments.

“On their own, telecom operators have invested over $1bn into the economy since then,” he said.

Tijani noted that years of underinvestment had constrained broadband expansion, stressing that infrastructure quality directly determines service quality.

“In about a year, you will start to see great changes because these infrastructures will start to come alive,” he said.

He disclosed that the fibre project is expected to reach deployment between the second and third quarters of the year, while the new satellite systems are projected to become operational next year.

Private sector role in last-mile connectivity

Despite the scale of public investment, the minister said affordability and institutional access remain major hurdles, warning that connectivity without devices and skills would limit impact.

“If the internet is now ubiquitous and affordable, can every Nigerian also afford the phones, tablets or laptops needed to enjoy it?” he asked.

He said bridging the last mile would require partnerships with private-sector players to connect schools, hospitals, police stations, and other public institutions, while also designing tailored data packages for critical sectors.

Tijani also highlighted government efforts to expand digital skills, referencing the Three Million Technical Talent programme, which has trained over 150,000 young Nigerians since 2023.

For everyday users, including traders and market women, he said the government is preparing to roll out a nationwide digital literacy programme delivered through mobile phones and local languages, supported by a government-backed large language model.

Also speaking at the event, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said digital inclusion rests on three pillars: electricity, broadband infrastructure and affordable devices, warning that progress in one area without the others would limit impact.

He said the bank remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s power and broadband expansion agenda, describing integrated investment as key to accelerating universal digital access.