The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN). This is an initiative aimed at expanding internet access across the country. The program focuses on key areas such as schools, hospitals, religious centers, and markets. The goal is to increase broadband penetration from 44% in 2024 to 70% by 2025.
NBAN is in line with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) and the Strategic Blueprint from the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. The initiative will ensure minimum internet speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural regions This will also potentially boost broadband investments by 300–500% by 2027. The project will begin with a pilot phase in eight states: Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa.
Speaking at the launch event in Lagos, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida said that broadband expansion requires collaboration between state governments, telecom operators, infrastructure companies, and private investors. “Achieving these goals will require strategic partnerships with donors, investors, and other key stakeholders to accelerate infrastructure deployment,” Maida stated.
NCC recently approved a 50% tariff increase for telecom operators, with the condition that service quality must improve within three months. While the new tariffs have yet to take effect, telecom companies are already preparing to meet the NCC’s requirements.
Additionally, MTN Nigeria and 9mobile have secured NCC approval for a roaming and spectrum-sharing agreement. Under this deal, 9mobile will use MTN’s infrastructure to enhance its network coverage, enabling subscribers to access services in areas where 9mobile lacks presence. In return, MTN gains access to 9mobile’s spectrum holdings, including the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands.
Meanwhile, Airtel Nigeria has announced plans to expand its network coverage, upgrade existing sites, and enhance service delivery, according to CEO Dinesh Balsingh. However, meeting the NCC’s three-month deadline for service quality improvement remains a significant challenge.
With 4G penetration at 47% and 5G adoption at just 2.4%, Nigeria continues to lag behind regional peers such as South Africa (74.7%) and Egypt (72.2%) in broadband access. While telecom operators welcome the tariff increase, Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria, noted that the hike alone won’t solve deeper issues like multiple taxation, telecom infrastructure vandalism, and insecurity.
