 and key industry stakeholders have agreed on fresh measures to accelerate investment in the country's digital infrastructure){kind=link}
Millions of Nigerians could soon enjoy faster and more reliable Internet services as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and key industry stakeholders have agreed on fresh measures to accelerate investment in the country’s digital infrastructure.
The agreement was reached at the end of the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum 2026 held in Abuja, where government officials, investors, telecom operators and development partners discussed practical solutions to improve Internet access across Nigeria.
The stakeholders said improving broadband infrastructure is no longer just about better communication but also about creating jobs, supporting businesses, improving education and expanding access to digital services.
They noted that although Internet coverage has expanded to many parts of the country, millions of Nigerians are still unable to fully benefit because smartphones remain expensive, electricity is unreliable and broadband infrastructure is inadequate in many communities.
According to the communiqué, Nigerians used about 1.6 million terabytes of data in July 2026, an increase of nearly 47 per cent compared to the previous year, showing the growing demand for digital services.
The forum also observed that mobile broadband now reaches about 90 per cent of the population, yet broadband penetration remains at 57.4 per cent, below the national target of 70 per cent.
Participants stressed that expanding Internet access will require more than network coverage, saying affordable devices, improved digital literacy and reliable electricity must also be provided.
To address these challenges, they urged the Federal Government to speed up the delivery of the 90,000-kilometre Project BRIDGE national fibre backbone and strengthen electricity supply for telecommunications infrastructure.
The stakeholders also encouraged state governments to reduce Right of Way charges and simplify approval processes to make broadband projects easier and cheaper to implement.
They called on telecom operators to work together through shared infrastructure, especially in rural communities, while promoting affordable locally manufactured devices that will help more Nigerians get online.
Investors and development finance institutions were urged to provide long-term funding that matches the lifespan of digital infrastructure projects, making it easier to expand connectivity to underserved areas.
The communiqué also highlighted the growing role of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria’s economy, noting that it contributed 9.72 per cent to the country’s real Gross Domestic Product in the second quarter of 2026.
The NCC pledged to continue working with government, investors and industry players to implement the agreed actions, expressing optimism that stronger partnerships will help bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and give more citizens access to opportunities in the digital economy.