Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and key stakeholders have agreed on a new roadmap aimed at attracting more investment into Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and expanding broadband access across the country.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum 2026 held in Abuja under the theme, “Unlocking Infrastructure Investment through Data, Transparency and Partnerships.”
The two-day forum brought together government officials, investors, development finance institutions, telecom operators, infrastructure companies, equipment manufacturers and other industry stakeholders to discuss ways of improving digital connectivity in Nigeria.
Participants agreed that stronger investment in broadband, fibre infrastructure and reliable electricity is critical to supporting Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
According to the communiqué, Nigeria’s data consumption reached about 1.6 million terabytes in July 2026, representing an increase of nearly 47 per cent within one year, while mobile subscriptions are expected to rise from about 195 million to 350 million over the next 10 to 15 years.
The forum also noted that telecommunications and information services contributed 9.72 per cent to Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2026, highlighting the sector’s growing importance to national development.
Participants observed that although mobile broadband now covers about 90 per cent of Nigerians, smartphone ownership remains around 27 per cent, while broadband penetration stands at 57.4 per cent, below the national target of 70 per cent.
They identified the high cost of devices, limited digital skills, unreliable electricity, inadequate middle-mile infrastructure and funding challenges as major barriers slowing digital inclusion.
To address these challenges, participants urged the Federal Government to speed up the implementation of Project BRIDGE, the proposed 90,000-kilometre national fibre backbone, improve electricity supply for digital infrastructure and sustain policies that encourage private investment.
The forum also called on the NCC to continue ongoing reforms, publish the first Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index, strengthen open-access regulations and complete the framework for direct-to-device services.
State governments were advised to reduce Right of Way charges, simplify permit processes and support faster fibre deployment, while operators were encouraged to expand shared infrastructure, promote affordable devices and increase rural connectivity.
Participants further recommended that investors provide long-term financing that matches the lifespan of digital infrastructure projects and support innovative funding models capable of reducing investment risks.
As part of the agreed action plan, stakeholders resolved to mobilise funding for community-owned renewable energy-powered rural networks, complete broadband mapping, strengthen underserved area projects and develop metro fibre infrastructure over the next two years.
The NCC said it would continue working with government, investors and industry stakeholders to implement the agreed priorities, improve digital connectivity and drive sustainable investment that will support economic growth and expand access to digital services across Nigeria.
