Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan: A Bold Vision Stalled by Poor Network Performance in the Digital Economy Drive

 The National Broadband Plan’s Promise and the Reality of Poor Network Performance

The Bold Vision of the National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020–2025

In March 2020, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020–2025, an ambitious roadmap aimed at delivering a 70% broadband penetration rate and universal internet access to accelerate Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020–2030.

The plan, championed by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy under successive administrations, was designed to provide affordable, high-speed broadband connectivity to urban and rural communities. It was expected to unlock economic opportunities, bridge the digital divide, and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.

However, four years into implementation, poor network quality, high data costs, and unreliable service delivery have hindered the NNBP’s impact, raising concerns about its feasibility and Nigeria’s readiness for a fully digital economy.

Where the Broadband Plan Stands Today

As of 2024, Nigeria’s broadband penetration stands at 43.5%, a significant improvement but still far from the 70% target set for 2025. Despite policy incentives, rural connectivity remains a challenge, with many areas still struggling with poor network reception, inadequate infrastructure, and limited investment in last-mile connectivity.

Several key issues have contributed to these challenges:

1. Infrastructural Deficits – The cost of laying fiber-optic cables and the lack of adequate infrastructure in rural areas have slowed the rollout of broadband services.
2. Multiple Taxation and Right-of-Way Issues – Telecom operators face high charges for right-of-way (RoW) permits from state governments, increasing deployment costs and limiting expansion.
3. Power Supply Problems – The unreliable electricity grid forces network providers to rely heavily on expensive diesel generators, further driving up operational costs.
4. High Data Costs – Despite government interventions, data remains expensive for many Nigerians, limiting access to digital opportunities.

Missed Opportunities and Economic Consequences

The NNBP was projected to contribute $1 trillion to Nigeria’s digital economy by 2030, but the current network challenges threaten to derail this ambition. Poor connectivity affects businesses, fintech operations, e-learning, telemedicine, and e-government services, making it difficult to achieve a truly inclusive digital economy.

For instance, Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, which thrives on strong internet connectivity, faces setbacks due to network downtimes and slow internet speeds. Many businesses, particularly SMEs in the e-commerce sector, struggle to maintain seamless operations, leading to revenue losses.

Similarly, financial inclusion initiatives, such as mobile banking and digital payments, are hampered by unstable network services, frustrating users and slowing adoption rates.

The Road Ahead: Can Nigeria Still Achieve its Digital Goals?

With just few months left in the NNBP’s five-year cycle, urgent interventions are needed to salvage its goals. The government must:

• Enforce RoW fee reductions across all states to encourage private-sector investment in broadband infrastructure.
• Expand the National Fiber Backbone Project to ensure last-mile connectivity in rural areas.
• Provide incentives for telecom operators to reduce data costs and enhance service quality that doesn’t.
• Accelerate power sector reforms to improve electricity supply to telecom infrastructure.
• Promote 5G adoption to ease network congestion and improve speed.

The success of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020–2030 hinges on resolving these broadband challenges. Without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks lagging behind in the global digital economy, failing to unlock the vast potential of its tech-savvy youth population.

As Nigeria reflects on the promises of the National Broadband Plan, it is clear that bold policy implementation, strategic investments, and strong stakeholder collaboration will determine whether the nation can achieve its vision of a fully digital Nigeria by 2030.

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