The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, in collaboration with the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), has announced plans to roll out the first phase of fibre-to-home internet connectivity across Nigeria.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WIOCC in Abuja on Wednesday.
The $10 million initiativeaims to provide Nigerians with faster, more reliable, and affordable internet connectivity.
Boosting Nigeria's digital economy
Dr. Tijani emphasized the transformative potential of the project in enhancing Nigeria’s digital economy and ensuring equitable access to high-speed broadband for both urban and rural areas.
"We understand the role of digital technology in driving productivity across all sectors. This initiative ensures that while telecommunications providers invest in infrastructure, services remain affordable for Nigerians," the minister said.
The fibre-to-home project is expected to address the gap in internet connectivity by expanding options beyond mobile services.
"Nigerians largely rely on mobile connectivity, but the opportunity to access high-speed, reliable internet at home will transform how people work, learn, and communicate," Tijani added.
Expanding connectivity nationwide
The collaboration with WIOCC will bring world-class broadband internet to major cities and underserved rural areas. The first phase of the project targets three million homes, according to Darren Bedford, Group Chief Business Development Officer of WIOCC.
"Most Nigerians currently lack access to true high-speed broadband, relying instead on mobile internet. This project is a critical first step toward addressing that gap," Bedford noted.
- With an initial investment capital of $10 million, WIOCC plans to reassess and scale up the project based on its success during the initial rollout.
- The initiative is also expected to benefit small businesses by providing better connectivity for growth and innovation.
- Tijani reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering an environment that enables the digital economy to thrive, aligning with Nigeria's ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
"Connectivity is at the heart of productivity, which is essential for building a strong economy," he said.
Addressing telecom tariff adjustments
Commenting on the recently approved tariff adjustments for telecom operators, the minister acknowledged the government’s challenges in balancing affordability for consumers with the sustainability of the telecommunications industry.
"The decision was necessary to ensure that connectivity remains at the core of national development while supporting operators to continue investing in infrastructure," Tijani stated.
The partnership between the Ministry and WIOCC signals a new era of digital inclusion and economic growth for Nigeria. As the fibre-to-home project unfolds, it is expected to transform connectivity, enhance productivity, and open new opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
WIOCC’s Darren Bedford expressed optimism about the project’s potential:
"We’ve set an achievable target for this rollout and will continue to evaluate as we progress to ensure that Nigerians benefit from reliable and high-speed internet access."
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