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By Osasómé C.O and Nana Theresa Timothy
Minister Tijani, NCC’s Maida call for collective action to ensure universal connectivity.
In a bold move to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, and Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), have called for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to bridge the digital divide and achieve universal connectivity across the country.
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Their joint appeal was made during a high-level stakeholder engagement session in Lagos, organized by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO).
Themed “Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” the event brought together government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and local communities to strategize on Nigeria’s digital future.
A Shared Vision for Digital Inclusion
Both Dr. Tijani and Dr. Maida emphasized the urgent need for collective action to connect the millions of Nigerians—especially in rural and underserved areas—who still lack access to reliable digital services.
While acknowledging significant progress in expanding connectivity over the past 25 years, they highlighted persistent gaps and the importance of inclusive, sustainable solutions to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the digital economy.
Dr. Tijani outlined the Federal Government’s key initiatives, including:
- Project BRIDGE – A 90,000km fiber optic expansion project to enhance broadband penetration.
- Project 774 – A program to connect all 774 local government secretariats with high-speed internet.
- 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Initiative – A strategy to develop a world-class digital workforce in Nigeria.
“We have the vision, the policy framework, and the commitment to connect every Nigerian,” Dr. Tijani stated. “But we need your partnership to explore innovative ways to accelerate this mission.”
Echoing this, Dr. Maida stressed the importance of tailoring solutions to local challenges while leveraging the expertise of all stakeholders to drive impactful change.
“Our solutions must be practical, sustainable, and aligned with the realities of different communities,” he said. “Together, we can make digital connectivity a fundamental right, not a privilege.”
Four Pillars for Achieving Universal Connectivity by 2030
To achieve universal broadband access, both leaders outlined four critical pillars that must guide Nigeria’s digital infrastructure expansion:
1. Community Engagement
- Ensuring digital solutions meet local needs through active engagement with communities.
- Promoting awareness, adoption, and responsible use of digital services.
2. Leveraging Existing Infrastructure
- Maximizing the potential of existing network investments and public infrastructure.
- Integrating energy solutions to support reliable connectivity in remote areas.
3. Capacity Building & Digital Literacy
- Expanding digital skills training programs to empower young Nigerians for the future workforce.
- Integrating digital literacy into education to boost adoption and economic opportunities.
4. Sustainable and Scalable Solutions
- Exploring alternative business models to drive long-term connectivity expansion.
- Encouraging private-sector investment in underserved regions through incentives and regulatory reforms.
A Call to Action for Stakeholders
Both Dr. Tijani and Dr. Maida emphasized that bridging the digital divide is not solely a government responsibility. Strong partnerships across the public and private sectors, civil society, development organizations, and local communities are essential for progress.
“To achieve digital inclusion, we must embrace a multi-stakeholder approach that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and sustainability,” said Dr. Maida. “Government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, and development partners must align their efforts to ensure no community is left behind.”
Dr. Tijani reinforced the urgency of collective action, stressing that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people and empowering them through digital access is the key to economic transformation.
“Sustainable progress requires shared responsibility,” he said. “Let us harness our collective expertise to drive Nigeria’s digital future.”
A Significant Milestone for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The event marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. It signaled a renewed commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and scalable connectivity solutions.
With the backing of key government agencies, international organizations, and private sector players, the push for universal connectivity is gaining momentum, ensuring millions of Nigerians in underserved communities can participate in the digital economy.
As Nigeria advances toward achieving its connectivity goals by 2030, the vision articulated by Dr. Tijani and Dr. Maida serves as a rallying cry for stakeholders to unite in building a digitally empowered nation.
