18 February 2020

The plan should service some 195 access gaps in the west African nation, where close to 190 million people reside

The Nigerian government said the 2020-2025 Broadband Plan will be ready within the first quarter of 2020. 

According to reports, the country’s minister of communications and digital economy Isa Pantami said the government and ministry are encouraging institutions to host their data in Nigeria, as advocacy continues.

Pantami said the need to increase broadband penetration from 37.8% currently to over 70%  in the next five years was the pedestal for NBP 2020-2025.

The plan should service some 195 access gaps in the west African nation, where some 190 million people reside. Nigeria’s population is set to double to more than 400 million by 2050, when it will have overtaken the US as the world’s third most inhabited nation.

Pantami also said pervasive broadband penetration will make Nigeria a truly digital economy. A 25-member committee, led by MainOne Cable chief executive officer (CEO) Funke Opeke, has been inaugurated and the team is expected to come up with a plan by the end of the first quarter.

It is also expected to take a critical look at where the country is, after review of the 2013-2018 phase and the status of penetration now. The members were enjoined to examine the challenges with a view to proffering solutions.