The Nigerian Communications Commission has officially introduced the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria, a policy initiative aimed at expanding internet access across the country.
The program focuses on key sectors such as schools, healthcare facilities, religious centers, and markets, establishing a sustainable model for widespread broadband adoption.
NBAN aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) and the Strategic Blueprint from the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. The initiative seeks to increase broadband penetration from 44% in December 2024 to 70% by 2025, deliver minimum data speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural regions, and boost broadband investments by 300–500% by 2027.
The initiative employs a collaborative approach, engaging state governments, educational institutions, healthcare providers, telecom operators, and infrastructure companies to drive broadband expansion. The pilot phase will begin in eight states: Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa.
“Achieving these goals will require more than just the efforts of the private sector. It will require a holistic approach that includes strategic partnerships with donors, investors, and other key stakeholders in accelerating the roll-out of critical infrastructure,” Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the NCC, said at the launch event in Lagos on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the NCC approved a 50% tariff increase for telecom operators on January 20, 2025, with the condition that service quality must improve within three months of implementation. While the revised tariffs are yet to take effect, operators are preparing to meet the NCC’s requirements.
The commission has also sanctioned a roaming and spectrum-sharing agreement between MTN Nigeria and 9mobile. Under this agreement, 9mobile, Nigeria’s fourth-largest telecom operator, will utilize MTN’s nationwide infrastructure to enhance network coverage.
The partnership allows 9mobile subscribers to make calls, send messages, and access data services in areas lacking its network, while MTN benefits from profit-sharing opportunities and access to 9mobile’s spectrum holdings, including the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands.
Airtel Nigeria has also announced plans to extend its network reach, upgrade existing sites, and improve service delivery, according to CEO Dinesh Balsingh. However, meeting the NCC’s three-month deadline poses a challenge.
As of January 2025, Nigeria’s internet penetration stands at 44%, lagging behind South Africa and Egypt, which reported 74.7% and 72.2% penetration in 2024, respectively. Additionally, Nigeria struggles with slow internet deployment, with 4G penetration at 47% and 5G at just 2.4%, two years after its launch.
“Tariff increase is not the only issue facing the industry,” said Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria, during a recent telecom CEOs town hall meeting.
He noted that the 50% increase merely helps operators recover some revenue losses and fund infrastructure projects in underserved areas. However, it does not address multiple taxation, vandalism of telecom infrastructure, and insecurity.
Aminu Maida believes the NBAN initiative can tackle these challenges through three key measures: streamlining regulatory processes to expedite fiber deployment, offering incentives for private-sector investment in underserved regions, and launching public awareness campaigns to encourage broadband adoption and usage.