By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
NIGERIA IS set to invest $2 billion in digital infrastructure to enhance the nation’s connectivity, improve digital services, and strengthen data security.
The initiative aims to accelerate economic growth and ensure the protection of digital identities and rights across the country.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the plan in Abuja while addressing journalists ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit.
The summit, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, will gather over 250 participants from 194 ITU member countries, including key players from the private sector and academia.
Tijani, speaking alongside ITU Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas, emphasised that the substantial investment was not a mere policy statement but a commitment to bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.
He stated that the federal government is determined to expand digital connectivity to improve service delivery and economic productivity.
The minister disclosed that deploying fibre optic cables nationwide to support seamless 5G connectivity would cost approximately $2 billion.
While 5G networks are operational in some parts of the country, he acknowledged that infrastructure gaps hinder widespread access to advanced telecommunications services.
“The infrastructure that supports 5G is not yet available nationwide,” Tijani said. “If a subscriber moves to areas where 5G infrastructure is lacking, the service quality will drop. The goal is to ensure seamless connectivity across the country.”
He revealed that Nigeria currently has between 35,000 to 40,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables, far below the required 95,000 kilometres needed for nationwide coverage. Expanding this network, he said, would cost between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.
Tijani outlined plans to prioritise the connection of essential institutions such as schools, hospitals, and government offices to enhance public service delivery.
“Once we can achieve this, we will begin to see significant improvements in digital services across sectors,” he said.
The minister also stressed the need to protect telecommunications infrastructure from vandalism, calling for its designation as critical national assets.
This, he said, would safeguard the country’s digital investments and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
The ITU International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit will explore global strategies for securing digital networks, fostering international collaboration, and driving innovation in the sector.
Government officials, industry leaders, and technology experts will deliberate on solutions to enhance digital infrastructure resilience and cybersecurity.
The Nigerian government’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity aligns with its broader strategy to position the country as a regional technology hub.
As investment in digital infrastructure scales up, stakeholders anticipate significant improvements in internet accessibility, data security, and economic opportunities nationwide.
