Meta is set to land two submarine cables, with landings scheduled in Lagos and Akwa Ibom by the end of November, according to Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director-general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The development which is expected to enhance Nigeria’s digital landscape, was announced by Kashifu, during the Global Tech Africa conference on Friday.
Kashifu emphasised that the initiative is part of the Nigerian government’s strategy to bolster digital infrastructure and foster increased broadband penetration in the country.
He said the move aligns with efforts to propel Nigeria into the forefront of the digital era.
However, this announcement comes after a delegation from Meta Platform was welcomed at the National Assembly Complex by Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Kalu expressed optimism about the anticipated benefits that Meta’s investment in submarine cables would bring to the country.
Kojo Boakye, vice president of Public Policy for Africa, Meta and Adaora Ikenze, director for West Africa, Meta, were present during the meeting, highlighting the importance of the collaboration between the tech giant and the Nigerian government in advancing digital connectivity and technological development.
The cable, supported by Meta, made its entrance shortly after the 12,000km Google-backed Equiano undersea cable landed in April 2022.
In a statement, Kalu expressed appreciation for Meta’s contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy, specifically highlighting investments in fiber optic cables, mobile partnerships, and business support for entrepreneurs and small to medium-scale enterprises.
Kalu stated, “The news of the 45,000km subsea cable landing is particularly exciting and commendable, given its potential socio-economic impact on the country.”
