Minister Tijani Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Expand Digital Connectivity in Nigeria

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to bridging Nigeria’s digital divide, calling for stronger public-private sector collaboration to expand connectivity across unserved and underserved communities.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement event focused on “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” the Minister highlighted the significant progress made in expanding digital infrastructure over the past 25 years. He noted that broadband penetration has grown, bringing millions of Nigerians online and unlocking opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Addressing Connectivity Gaps in Rural Areas

Despite these advancements, millions of Nigerians, particularly in remote areas, still lack access to reliable digital services. The Minister identified inadequate infrastructure and limited digital literacy as key barriers that hinder both personal and business development, preventing the country from fully realizing its digital economy potential.

He emphasized the crucial role of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in addressing these challenges. “By supporting infrastructure expansion, fostering local innovation, and driving inclusive policies, the USPF aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of ensuring affordable and meaningful connectivity for all Nigerians,” he stated.

Key Government Initiatives for Digital Expansion

Dr. Tijani outlined several flagship projects aimed at accelerating broadband penetration and digital transformation across Nigeria:

1. Project BRIDGE (90,000km Fibre Optic Expansion): Extending high-speed internet infrastructure nationwide.
2. Project 774: Providing high-speed connectivity to every local government secretariat in Nigeria.
3. Universal Access Project: Targeting over 20 million Nigerians currently without digital access.
4. National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN): A multi-stakeholder initiative to drive universal broadband access.
5. 3 Million Technical Talent Programme (3MTT): Strengthening Nigeria’s digital workforce to support economic growth.

“These projects are not just about infrastructure but about empowering individuals, enabling businesses, and unlocking Nigeria’s full digital economy potential,” he added.

Call for Multi-Sector Collaboration

Dr. Tijani stressed that bridging the digital divide cannot be achieved by the government alone. He urged stakeholders across government, private sector, development agencies, civil society, and local communities to collaborate on four key pillars:

1. Community Engagement: Ensuring local participation in digital infrastructure projects.
2. Leveraging Existing Infrastructure: Maximizing public and private investments for efficient deployment.
3. Capacity Building: Integrating digital literacy programs and skills training into connectivity strategies.
4. Sustainable Solutions: Developing economically and environmentally sustainable models for digital expansion.

Towards a Fully Connected Nigeria by 2030

The Minister emphasized that Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its digital transformation journey. “We have the vision, policy framework, and commitment to connect every Nigerian to the digital economy,” he said. “But achieving this goal requires innovative partnerships, last-mile connectivity investment, and an enabling policy environment.”

He called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure universal digital access and literacy by 2030, unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s most valuable resource—its people.