NACAN launches to cut broadband costs and close digital access gap for Nigerian SMEs

NACAN Debuts as New Voice for Affordable Connectivity

The National Affordable Connectivity Advocacy Network (NACAN) has officially launched, unveiling a set of advocacy-led initiatives and targeted intervention programmes aimed at reducing high broadband costs and narrowing the digital access gap confronting Nigerian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

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Launched in May 2026 to align with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), the non-profit network enters Nigeria’s digital ecosystem with a mandate to lower SME operating overheads and push for critical regulatory reforms that support affordable, reliable internet access.

Flagship Launch Interventions

At inception, NACAN is rolling out two high-impact pilot initiatives designed to deliver immediate relief while shaping long-term policy outcomes:

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• Southern Connectivity Voucher Pilot: A flagship programme providing subsidised data vouchers to SMEs operating in key commercial hubs across Southern Nigeria, significantly reducing daily broadband expenses for small businesses.
• Niger Delta Digital Lifelines Roundtable: A multi-stakeholder forum hosted in Port Harcourt, bringing together state ICT commissioners, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecom operators, and civil society groups to design resilient last-mile broadband solutions for underserved Niger Delta communities.

NACAN’s Operational Mandate

NACAN’s strategy is built around three core pillars focused on easing the digital burden on Nigerian SMEs:

1. Bridging the Access Gap: Expanding access to reliable and affordable broadband for SMEs that depend heavily on digital tools for payments, logistics, and customer engagement.
2. Policy and Regulatory Advocacy: Championing reforms that incentivise network operators to adopt fairer, SME-friendly pricing models and reduce structural cost barriers.
3. Digital Capacity Building: Delivering practical digital literacy and skills programmes to help small businesses maximise broadband connectivity for productivity and growth.

Nigeria’s Broadband Context and Policy Landscape

The emergence of NACAN aligns with broader national efforts to address high connectivity costs and underutilised digital infrastructure. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy previously launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) to foster public–private collaboration, reduce infrastructure deployment costs, and accelerate the expansion of terrestrial fibre-optic networks nationwide.

Despite these initiatives, Nigerian SMEs continue to face persistent broadband challenges that undermine digital operations and revenue growth.

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Key Internet Challenges Facing Nigerian SMEs

SMEs across Nigeria grapple with multiple, interlinked connectivity issues:

• High Data Costs and Maintenance Expenses: Rising data subscription fees and the need for self-provisioning—such as backup routers and diesel generators—place heavy strain on small business budgets.
• Unreliable Connectivity and Downtime: Frequent service disruptions, bandwidth congestion during peak periods, and slow provider response times result in lost sales and delayed POS transactions.
• Urban–Rural Connectivity Divide: While Lagos and Abuja enjoy relatively higher penetration, SMEs in semi-urban and rural areas suffer from weak coverage and limited access to high-speed broadband.
• Digital Skills and Security Gaps: Limited digital literacy hinders effective e-commerce adoption, while shared networks expose SMEs to increased cybersecurity and fraud risks.
• Policy and Infrastructure Bottlenecks: High Right-of-Way (RoW) charges and frequent fibre cuts continue to slow broadband rollout and degrade service quality.

Advocacy as a Catalyst for SME Growth

Addressing these challenges is critical to the sustainability and competitiveness of Nigeria’s SME sector. With its targeted interventions and policy-driven approach, NACAN positions itself as a key advocacy platform pushing for broadband affordability, smarter regulation, and inclusive digital growth. As digital tools become central to commerce, initiatives like NACAN’s are expected to play a growing role in shaping a more accessible and resilient digital economy for Nigerian businesses.