Nigeria Inaugurates National Broadband Alliance for Digital Growth

In a major move to advance its digital transformation agenda, Nigeria has officially inaugurated the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN). This initiative aims to accelerate the country’s digital growth and bridge the broadband gap.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, announced the development during the inauguration of NBAN in Lagos.

Maida stated that NBAN represents a transformative step forward in Nigeria’s digital future, going beyond just building broadband infrastructure to create a foundation for sustainable growth, social inclusion, and economic transformation.

He emphasised that broadband is not merely a communication tool but the cornerstone of progress in a digital world, unlocking economic growth, innovation, and improved quality of life for all Nigerians.

Maida highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector, regulators, and civil society in achieving Nigeria’s digital economy goals.

He stressed that NBAN offers a comprehensive framework to overcome obstacles hindering broadband expansion, including high-rise buildings, infrastructure vandalism, investment barriers, and the need for demand-driven solutions.

The inauguration of NBAN is seen as a pivotal moment for driving collaboration and tackling key challenges, ensuring that broadband connectivity becomes a powerful catalyst for job creation, innovation, economic growth, and social development.

Maida also noted that the alliance is a testament to the dedication of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, to the spirit of collaboration for the greater good.

Acknowledging the support of President Bola Tinubu, Maida said the government has firmly positioned technology and innovation as pillars of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Tinubu has shown commitment to securing and strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure through the recent signing of the Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Kaduna State, Patience Fakal, said that broadband connectivity is the backbone of economic growth, innovation, and inclusion.

Fakal highlighted Kaduna State’s proactive efforts in implementing policies and partnerships that drive digital transformation, including a 30-kilometre active connectivity network and an MOU with Huawei Technologies to expand fibre optic infrastructure.

Fakal emphasised Kaduna’s eagerness to collaborate with NBAN to further its broadband expansion, digital literacy programs, and smart governance initiatives.

Similarly, Director General of the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communications Technology, Naufal Ahmad, expressed support for NBAN, noting that the alliance will help address challenges of broadband expansion, particularly in rural areas.

He shared Katsina State’s experience in connecting over 80% of government offices within the government seat through a single-ring network and reiterated the state’s commitment to expanding broadband access to all local government areas.

The inauguration of NBAN is a significant step toward achieving Nigeria’s digital economy goals, with a commitment to working with the Alliance to drive broadband expansion and digital transformation across the country.

NAN