The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has convened key industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for expanding digital connectivity in rural, underserved, and unserved communities across the country.
The Industry Stakeholders Session, held at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, focused on strengthening partnerships for sustainable telecommunications infrastructure. The engagement brought together government officials, telecommunications executives, international development partners, and industry stakeholders to explore collaborative solutions for bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.
In his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the need for strategic partnerships in ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services nationwide. He highlighted the USPF’s commitment to enhancing universal access through projects such as the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Backbone Transmission Infrastructure.
“To achieve digital inclusion, government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, and development partners must work closely together,” Maida said. He outlined key focus areas, including innovative financing models, leveraging emerging technologies, and policy incentives to drive connectivity expansion.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to fostering digital transformation. He acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in broadband penetration but stressed that millions of Nigerians, especially in rural areas, still face barriers to reliable connectivity.
“The USPF has been instrumental in supporting infrastructure expansion and driving inclusive policies that align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of affordable and meaningful connectivity for all,” Tijani stated.
He outlined several government-led initiatives aimed at closing the digital gap, including:
– **Project BRIDGE** – A 90,000km fibre optic expansion to improve broadband access nationwide.
– **Project 774** – Ensuring high-speed connectivity in every local government secretariat.
– **The Universal Access Project** – Targeting over 20 million Nigerians currently without digital services.
– **The National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN)** – A public-private collaboration to ensure universal broadband access.
– **The 3 Million Technical Talent Programme (3MTT)** – Developing a skilled workforce to support Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Tijani emphasized that bridging the digital divide requires a multi-stakeholder approach, calling for increased investment, community engagement, capacity building, and sustainable solutions.
“We must work together to ensure that digital connectivity becomes a fundamental right, not a privilege,” he concluded, urging stakeholders to drive forward Nigeria’s vision of a fully connected digital economy by 2030.
The session concluded with discussions on policy frameworks, investment strategies, and practical steps to accelerate digital inclusion for underserved populations.