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From Coverage Expansion to Economic Inclusion
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has announced a strategic shift in government policy. Government is moving from simply expanding internet access to delivering “meaningful connectivity” that drives economic growth, productivity, and social inclusion.
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Dr. Tijani made the declaration in Abuja while addressing stakeholders at the inauguration of new board members of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
Bridging the Digital Usage Gap
The minister acknowledged Nigeria’s progress since the introduction of GSM services. But noted that millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural and underserved communities, remain unconnected. Millions others are unable to fully benefit from digital services.
“Connectivity must translate into real outcomes. It is not enough to connect a community. We must ensure schools can teach with digital tools and small businesses can access market opportunities,” Tijani said.
He cited a pilot intervention in the Kura community, where improved connectivity has enhanced access to education, healthcare, and communication services.
Project BRIDGE and Infrastructure Expansion
The minister highlighted ongoing investments in national digital infrastructure, notably Project BRIDGE. This project targets the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable and nearly 4,000 telecom towers across the country.
It is designed to dramatically expand broadband access, reduce internet costs, and support Nigeria’s long-term digital economy ambitions.
NCC Warns of Widening Urban-Rural Divide
Echoing the minister’s position, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, warned that growth in data usage is increasingly concentrated in urban areas.
According to Maida, telecom usage has risen by approximately 160% over the past two years, driven largely by urban demand.
“When we drill down, we see that much of this growth is in urban centres. The gap between those who are not connected—or not meaningfully connected—is widening,” he said.
He urged the newly inaugurated USPF board to intensify efforts to close both access and usage gaps nationwide.
Role of the USPF in Meaningful Connectivity
Both officials stressed that the next phase of Nigeria’s digital journey must focus on:
- Effective usage of connectivity
- Digital literacy and skills development
- Sustainable investment models
- Strong collaboration between government and the private sector
They emphasised that meaningful connectivity is essential for translating digital infrastructure into measurable economic and social benefits.
Inside Project BRIDGE
Project BRIDGE is a flagship digital infrastructure programme aimed at closing Nigeria’s digital divide and accelerating broadband penetration.
Key highlights include:
- Investment size: Estimated at $2 billion, funded by Development Finance Institutions (including the World Bank) and private sector equity
- Network scale: Expansion of Nigeria’s fibre backbone from 35,000km to 125,000km
- Infrastructure design: Seven regional backbone rings linking all six geopolitical zones and Lagos
- Tower rollout: 4,000–7,000 new telecom towers to boost mobile coverage by 20–30%, especially in rural areas
- Targets: 70% broadband penetration by 2027 and over 60% reduction in internet access costs
Dr. Tijani disclosed that the project is expected to generate 20,000 direct jobs and 150,000 indirect jobs, while supporting the growth of a $1 trillion digital economy.
A New Phase for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
With the renewed focus on meaningful connectivity, the federal government is signalling a transition from infrastructure expansion to impact-driven digital inclusion—one that empowers citizens, supports businesses, and strengthens Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
