In a recent address titled “Championing Innovation: Digital Transformation and Economic Diversification in Nigeria,” Engr. James Egerton-Idehen, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), emphasised the persistent issue of reliable and affordable internet access faced by numerous Nigerians, especially those in rural areas.
Delivering this message during the 20th Herbert Macaulay Memorial Lecture and Symposium, organised by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Faculty of Engineering, Engr. Egerton-Idehen underscored the findings of a 2023 report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), indicating that only approximately 40% of the population has access to broadband internet.
The CEO highlighted the ambitious targets set by the current administration as part of the National Broadband Plan, aiming to elevate Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate to 70% by the conclusion of 2025. Moreover, the plan entails extending coverage to at least 80% of the population, with a particular focus on underserved and unserved communities, by the end of 2027. This strategic initiative aims to diminish the gap between unconnected Nigerians in rural areas from 61% to less than 20% by 2027.
Engr. Egerton-Idehen elaborated on ongoing efforts such as ‘Project 774,’ an initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE) in collaboration with agencies including Galaxy BackBone, USPF (Universal Service Provision Fund), and NITDA (National Information Technology Development Agency). Project 774 seeks to provide connectivity to each of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), recognising the pivotal role of access in enabling individuals and businesses to fully participate in the digital economy.
Beyond broadband networks, the CEO stressed the importance of investing in additional infrastructure elements such as data centres and cybersecurity systems to facilitate comprehensive digital transformation. Despite Nigeria’s significant capacity, characterised by multiple submarine fibre cables landing on its coastal shores, the distribution of this bandwidth to the last mile remains limited, with only a fraction of homes connected to fibre.
Engr. Egerton-Idehen concluded by reaffirming the commitment of NIGCOMSAT and other stakeholders to address the challenges hindering widespread internet access, thereby advancing Nigeria’s digital agenda and fostering economic growth and innovation nationwide.
