Nigeria risks missing 70% broadband penetration target –Report
Nigeria risks missing 70% broadband penetration target –Report
Nigeria faces a significant risk of failing to meet its national broadband penetration target, primarily due to a convergence of regulatory, economic, and security hurdles. Persistent issues such as multiple taxation, high right-of-way charges, and severe infrastructure vandalism by state governments and third parties have severely impeded network expansion. These obstacles are exacerbated by currency depreciation, which drastically increases the cost of importing essential equipment, thereby stifling investor confidence and slowing the physical rollout of connectivity services. To mitigate these challenges, stakeholders emphasize the urgent need for legislative reform and policy adjustments. Protecting telecom infrastructure through critical legislation is seen as vital to stopping frequent fiber cuts and ensuring service stability. Furthermore, easing the regulatory burden at the sub-national level is crucial to attracting the necessary private investment. Without these structural improvements, the high cost of data and limited access remain major barriers to digital inclusion, particularly for rural populations who are disproportionately affected by the current affordability crisis. In response to the slowing fiber-optic deployment, regulators are pivoting toward satellite broadband as a strategic alternative to achieve coverage goals. By leveraging low Earth orbit technologies, authorities aim to accelerate connectivity and bypass the logistical and financial constraints associated with traditional terrestrial infrastructure. This approach highlights the adaptability required in digital policy to overcome economic headwinds. This article is relevant to open data as it underscores how transparent monitoring of infrastructure incidents and regulatory transparency are prerequisites for accurate performance tracking and effective policy intervention in digital infrastructure development.
Source: thesun.ngPublished on 2025-07-16