The Nigerian government has inaugurated the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) in a bid to bridge the country’s digital divide. This initiative marks a transformative step in accelerating internet connectivity and fostering digital growth across the nation.
The launch, held in Lagos, was officiated by Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Dr. Maida emphasized that the alliance is more than just an infrastructure development project—it is a catalyst for sustainable growth, economic transformation, and social inclusion.
Broadband as a Catalyst for Progress
During the launch, Dr. Maida highlighted the critical role of broadband in today’s digital age, calling it a “cornerstone of progress.” He noted its vast potential to:
- Drive economic growth and create job opportunities.
- Enhance innovation across sectors.
- Improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
Maida underscored the need for collaboration among key stakeholders, including the government, private sector, regulators, and civil society, to realize the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy. He outlined how NBAN provides a comprehensive framework to tackle existing barriers to broadband expansion, such as:
- High infrastructure costs.
- Issues of vandalism and inadequate investments.
- The lack of demand-driven solutions.
He described the inauguration of NBAN as a pivotal moment for addressing these challenges, ensuring broadband becomes a driver for economic growth, innovation, and social development.
Government Commitment to a Digital Future
Dr. Maida lauded the efforts of Mr. Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, for his dedication to fostering collaboration and ensuring a digital future for Nigeria. He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in positioning technology and innovation as core pillars of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
State-Led Digital Transformation Efforts
States like Kaduna and Katsina are already making strides in supporting broadband expansion and leveraging digital solutions for economic growth.
- Kaduna State:
Patience Fakal, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, detailed the state’s proactive approach, including:- Developing a 30-kilometer connectivity network.
- Partnering with Huawei Technologies to expand fiber optic infrastructure.
- Establishing the Kaduna Technology City, aimed at fostering digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
- Launching the Kaduna Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, empowering youth in ICT-driven enterprises.
Fakal expressed Kaduna’s enthusiasm to collaborate with NBAN to further advance broadband penetration, digital literacy, and smart governance initiatives.
- Katsina State:
Naufal Ahmad, Director General of the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communications Technology, highlighted the state’s achievement of connecting over 80% of government offices to a unified digital network. Ahmad stressed that NBAN’s framework will help address connectivity challenges in rural areas, fostering inclusivity.
A Broader Vision for Broadband Development
The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy initiated NBAN to tackle low broadband adoption rates, especially in schools, hospitals, government offices, libraries, and markets. The alliance aims to boost return on investment (ROI) in Nigeria’s nationwide fiber network by promoting broader adoption and consumption.
By fostering collaboration between stakeholders, NBAN seeks to position Nigeria as a global leader in digital innovation, making broadband not just a utility but a tool for transformative development.
