Millions of Nigerians still lack reliable internet access – Minister

By Kunle Sanni

Despite progress in expanding digital infrastructure, millions of Nigerians, especially in rural areas, still lack reliable internet access, limiting their participation in the digital economy, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has said.

Speaking at an event on “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities,” Tijani noted that while broadband penetration has grown significantly, many communities face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and low digital literacy, restricting economic opportunities.

“Today, millions of Nigerians remain on the fringes of digital transformation without reliable connectivity,” Tijani stated. “These gaps hinder personal and business growth, limiting Nigeria’s full digital potential.”

To bridge the digital divide, the Federal Government has introduced several initiatives, including:

• Project BRIDGE – A 90,000km fibre optic expansion to boost broadband penetration.
• Project 774 – High-speed internet connectivity for every local government secretariat.
• Universal Access Project – Targeting 20 million Nigerians without digital access.
• National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN) – A public-private initiative to enhance broadband accessibility.
• 3 Million Technical Talent Program (3MTT) – A workforce development initiative to strengthen Nigeria’s digital talent pipeline.

Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, highlighted the role of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in promoting universal access and service.

He emphasized that collaboration among government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, and development partners is crucial to achieving digital inclusion.