Nigeria National broadband penetration has increased by 10% in the last one year, from 33.3% to 43.3%.
This was revealed by the Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, via a tweet, as seen by Nairametrics.
READ: Amaechi proposes a capital budget of N205 billion for Ministry of Transportation in 2021
For 19 years, only 33% of broadband penetration was achieved in Nigeria. Within a year in office, we increased it by 10%. As at today, the penetration stands at 43.3%. The National Broadband Plan aims to provide broadband for 90% of Nigerians over the next 5 years. @DrIsaPantami pic.twitter.com/YIkATWTs61
— Fed. Min. of Comms, Innovation & Digital Economy (@FMCIDENigeria) November 9, 2020
Dr. Pantami stated that for 19 years, only 33% of broadband penetration was achieved in Nigeria. However, within a year in office, he has been able to increase the figure by 10%.
READ: CBN promises to sustain FX restrictions on import of food items that can be produced locally
Why this matter
The recent announcement is in line with the National Broadband goal aimed at providing broadband penetration for about 90% of Nigerians over the next 5 years. In lieu of this, the recent development is a welcome news given that the country is only 46.7% shy of the target. All things being equal, if the current tempo is sustained, the goal looks achievable.
READ: NCC sets up committee to review licensing framework of Infrastructure Companies
What they are saying
Commenting on the recent development, Dr. Isa said: ‘’For 19 years, only 33% of broadband penetration was achieved in Nigeria. Within a year in office, we increased it by 10%. As at today, the penetration stands at 43.3%. The National Broadband Plan aims to provide broadband for 90% of Nigerians over the next 5 years.’’
READ: Nigeria needs $5billion for National Broadband Plan – Chairman, BISC
What you should know
The new National Broadband Plan is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria – a minimum 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population by 2025 – at a price not more than N390 per 1GB of data i.e. 2% of median income or 1% of minimum wage.
READ: LSE suspends Lekoil’s shares over $184 million loan source
In order to achieve these ambitious targets, the plan is focused on recommendations in 4 critical pillars, namely Infrastructure, Policy, Demand Drivers, and Funding & Incentives
