The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to launch the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) in the first quarter of 2024, to advance broadband development and adoption throughout the country.
Outlined in a white paper titled “Broadband Access for All: Introduction Deepening Nigeria’s National Backbone and Middle Mile Infrastructure,” the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, led by Dr. Bosun Tijani, aims to address challenges related to low-fibre network rollout in the initial phase. The targeted states include Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa.
The initiative recognises the increasing importance of reliable and affordable internet access and highlights the barriers faced by individuals and communities in navigating the interconnected world.
The NBAN is envisioned as a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, with the primary objective of achieving universal broadband access across the nation. It will bring together key participants from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, to formulate sustainable business models for driving internet adoption in critical public institutions.
The Alliance seeks to foster coordination among government agencies, telecommunication companies, technology providers, and civil society organisations. By streamlining processes and removing obstacles, it aims to expedite the nationwide expansion of broadband services.
With a national desk at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and NBAN nodes hosted by sub-national governments (states), the initiative will work closely with regulatory bodies to overcome hindrances to the swift deployment of broadband networks.
This move aligns with the ministry’s commitment to digital inclusion and awareness, ensuring that all segments of society benefit from broadband connectivity and participate in the digital economy. The initiative supports the ministry’s strategic blueprint, focusing on strengthening the digital economy through enhanced connectivity.