Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has announced that the federal government’s new two-billion-dollar broadband initiative will play a crucial role in accelerating the nation’s economic growth.
Speaking at the “Smart Growth, Digital Leap” plenary session hosted by IHS Towers during the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Tijani explained that the ambitious project aims to deepen digital inclusion and position Nigeria as Africa’s next major technology exporter.
According to the minister, the strategy involves an extensive rollout of fibre-optic networks and innovation hubs across the country. He described it as “an audacious bet” to unlock Nigeria’s long-awaited digital prosperity.
The initiative is structured through a hybrid financing model, with the government providing 49 per cent of the funding and the private sector contributing 51 per cent. The goal is to achieve universal broadband coverage in all 774 local government areas within three years.
“Connectivity is not optional — it’s the foundation of productivity,” Tijani emphasized.
He highlighted that the ICT sector already accounts for roughly 15 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), one of the highest shares in sub-Saharan Africa. However, broadband penetration remains at about 50 per cent, leaving millions without reliable internet access.
Tijani cited World Bank data indicating that a 10 per cent increase in broadband access can lead to a two per cent rise in GDP annually. The broadband plan, supported by global partners including the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), is designed to close this gap.
As part of the policy framework, broadband will be classified as critical national infrastructure — a move expected to accelerate private investment and lower operational costs for telecom operators.
Tijani also pointed to the IHS Towers innovation hub as a prime example of public-private collaboration. Billed as the largest of its kind in West Africa, the hub is set to train thousands of young Nigerians, provide incubation spaces, and connect startups to global investors, following successful models seen in India and Brazil.
The economic impact of the broadband initiative extends beyond the tech industry. Experts estimate that improved rural connectivity could boost agricultural output by as much as $25 billion annually, supporting diversification and export growth.
Under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the government is also training digital professionals in fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics, with four per cent of the programme dedicated specifically to AI skills.
Tijani commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing broadband as essential infrastructure through policy reforms, including tariff adjustments and regulatory improvements.
IHS Nigeria CEO, Mohamad Darwish, described Nigeria’s digital landscape as one of rapid expansion and innovation, tempered by ongoing challenges. He noted that internet penetration has fueled growth in social media, education, commerce, and entrepreneurship, enabling small businesses to reach wider audiences and scale more quickly.
Darwish highlighted major advances in e-commerce, agency banking, and mobile payments, as well as a surge in startups working with emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. Programmes such as 3MTT and the establishment of innovation hubs are equipping young Nigerians with vital skills and creating vibrant tech ecosystems.
“Nigeria today stands as Africa’s most dynamic startup ecosystem and one of the world’s most creative communities,” Darwish said.
He acknowledged, however, that infrastructure gaps — particularly in rural areas — and power supply issues continue to limit digital inclusion. Digital literacy levels also vary widely, with many citizens not fully benefiting from online tools.
Darwish stressed that bridging this divide will require sustained investment and collaboration between the public and private sectors. Expanding broadband coverage, scaling digital skills programmes, and encouraging private investment in infrastructure and innovation are key to driving inclusive growth.
He concluded by emphasizing that digital infrastructure, innovation, and talent must be treated as fundamental pillars of economic growth. “We cannot build a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria by 2030 without digital technology at its core,” he said.