The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, urged both state and federal governments to take swift action in fostering broadband infrastructure development and protecting Nigeria’s critical national infrastructure.
In a keynote address at the Business Roundtable on Improving Investments in Broadband Connectivity held at the NCC Digital Economy Complex, Maida emphasised the profound economic impact of connectivity on national growth and prosperity.
Dr Maida underscored the significance of broadband connectivity, not merely as a tool for personal convenience but as a powerful economic enabler. Citing examples of businesses, from tech entrepreneurs in Lagos to security agencies across the country, the EVC highlighted how digital connectivity has become a vital lifeline for productivity, innovation, and national security.
According to recent statistics, Nigeria has achieved 48.81% broadband penetration, with over 140 million people now online. However, Dr Maida stressed the need for ambitious targets to push the broadband penetration rate to 70% by the end of 2025, as outlined in the National Broadband Plan.
He emphasised the critical role of this expansion in supporting economic growth, with every 10% increase in broadband penetration linked to a 1.38% rise in GDP for developing nations.
One of the key barriers to broadband expansion in Nigeria, Maida pointed out, is the high cost of Right of Way (RoW) fees, which have hindered the deployment of necessary infrastructure.
However, the NCC has worked with state governments to reduce these costs, with five more states—Enugu, Benue, Zamfara, Adamawa, and Bauchi—waiving RoW fees entirely. These efforts have helped to streamline the rollout of broadband infrastructure, making it more accessible for both operators and consumers.
Further addressing challenges such as infrastructure theft and vandalism, Maida acknowledged the role of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Presidential Order, signed in June 2024.
This order guarantees law enforcement backing to protect telecommunications infrastructure from sabotage, with tangible successes already reported, including the dismantling of major cartels involved in telecom infrastructure theft.
The EVC’s speech was a call to action for all stakeholders, including state governments, telecom operators, and private investors, to collaborate in creating a more robust digital economy.
He encouraged state leaders to embrace policies that reduce barriers to broadband rollout, including full RoW waivers and better coordination between road authorities and telecom companies.
Maida’s remarks reflect the Nigerian government’s commitment to turning the country into a digital powerhouse, capable of competing globally in the digital age.
However, he warned that Nigeria’s future growth depends on whether these investments in broadband connectivity and infrastructure protection are accelerated—before the digital divide widens further.
Maida posed a crucial question: “Will we align—or be left behind?” He stressed the urgency for all sectors to work together to ensure Nigeria reaps the full benefits of the digital revolution, unlocking potential for millions of Nigerians, especially the youth, to become creators of digital value rather than consumers.
Sunday Michael Ogwu is a Nigerian journalist and editor of Pinnacle Daily. He is known for his work in business and economic reporting. He has held editorial roles in prominent Nigerian media outlets, where he has focused on economic policy, financial markets, and developmental issues affecting Nigeria and Africa more broadly.
