Feb 11 • 16:13 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

FG rallies private sector to bridge broadband gap

The Nigerian government is urging private-sector collaboration to address the digital divide in broadband access across the country.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a call to private-sector players for collaboration aimed at closing the last-mile broadband gap in the country. This appeal comes from Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, during a press interaction at the Flagship Nigeria: Electrification + Connectivity Convening held in Abuja. He emphasized that while the government is making substantial investments in digital infrastructure, it is crucial that these efforts are complemented by affordable devices, innovative services, and targeted connectivity for essential institutions.

Dr. Tijani highlighted Nigeria's leadership role in Africa regarding investments in digital infrastructure and projected that enhanced access to quality internet would soon become apparent as various projects roll out. He remarked on the government's acute awareness of its responsibility to improve digital access for its citizens and stated, "There is no country in Africa today that is investing in deepening its digital infrastructure as deeply as Nigeria is doing."

The implications of this initiative are significant for Nigeria's digital economy. By fostering partnerships with private sector entities, the government aims to harness innovative solutions and resources to extend broadband connectivity, primarily to underserved areas and critical institutions. This move could potentially bridge the widening digital divide, thus enabling greater participation in the global digital economy and contributing to overall national development.

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