By The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other telecom industry leaders are working together to achieve the government’s target of 70% broadband penetration by 2025. This goal was the main topic of a recent conference organized by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), titled “Realising the New Set Target of 70% Broadband Penetration.”
At the event in Abuja, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Garba Umar Dambatta, highlighted Nigeria’s potential as one of Africa’s largest telecom markets, with a population of over 200 million people. He acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that expanding broadband access is crucial for attracting investment to the telecom sector.
Dambatta discussed the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), which aims to exceed the 70% target by 2025. When the plan was launched in 2020, broadband penetration was just under 40%. By December 2020, it had reached 45.93%, and as of April 2022, it stood at 42.79%. He also pointed out that efforts to expand fixed broadband infrastructure would help maintain steady, high-capacity broadband services.
ATCON President, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, said the conference aims to support the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in speeding up broadband penetration. He added that ATCON’s sub-groups would contribute ideas to improve the National Broadband Plan.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also spoke at the event, noting that broadband penetration aligns with his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda. He highlighted the role of broadband in education and technology, mentioning the state’s initiative to connect public schools and universities to the internet as part of creating a smart city.
