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In a strategic move to accelerate broadband services expansion across Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inaugurated a dedicated industry committee tasked with driving the deployment of essential broadband infrastructure. The initiative, dubbed the National Communications Backbone (NCB), is set to play a pivotal role in realizing the goals outlined in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025.
The newly formed committee, known as the National Broadband Infrastructure Joint Committee (NBIJC), is headed by Dr. Augustine Nwaulune, the NCC’s Director of Digital Economy. It comprises key players from the telecommunications sector, including Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos), and Tower Companies (TowerCos).
The primary objective of the NBIJC is to provide industry-wide collaboration and support in overcoming the challenges currently hindering the widespread deployment of broadband infrastructure across the country. According to NCC’s Director of Legal and Regulatory Services, Josephine Amuwa, who oversaw the committee’s inauguration, the formation of the NBIJC is crucial in injecting a more coordinated, industry-led approach to achieving broadband penetration targets.
With Nigeria’s broadband penetration remaining a critical factor for economic growth, digital inclusion, and service delivery across sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture, the NCB project is seen as a cornerstone of the country’s efforts to bridge the digital divide. The committee’s formation aligns with the NCC’s broader agenda to modernize the nation’s digital economy infrastructure, ensuring that broadband access becomes more affordable and accessible to Nigerians.
As the committee begins its work, all eyes will be on the tangible outcomes it delivers in overcoming regulatory hurdles, improving collaboration among stakeholders, and accelerating infrastructure rollout. The NBIJC’s success could be a game-changer in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, making broadband a universal service that drives sustainable development across the country.
