ABUJA, October 6, 2025
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has said that Nigeria’s new $2 billion broadband expansion project will significantly enhance Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and promote digital inclusion nationwide. He made this known at the plenary session on “Smart Growth, Digital Leap,” hosted by IHS Towers during the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31) in Abuja.
Tijani described the broadband plan as an ambitious national investment that will connect every part of Nigeria to fast internet and unlock digital opportunities. He said the project’s goal is to position the country as Africa’s next global technology exporter while boosting productivity and innovation-driven growth.
The minister explained that the project is structured on a hybrid financing model — with 49 per cent government participation and 51 per cent from the private sector – and aims to achieve universal broadband coverage across all 774 local government areas within three years.
He said the broadband rollout, supported by development partners such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), would serve as the foundation for Nigeria’s digital economy. According to him, broadband connectivity is no longer a luxury but an essential driver of national development and competitiveness.
Tijani noted that while the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector already contributes about 15 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, broadband penetration remains around 50 per cent, leaving millions of citizens unconnected. He added that World Bank data shows a 10 per cent increase in broadband access can lift GDP by as much as two per cent annually.
He said part of the plan is to classify broadband as national critical infrastructure, which will encourage private investment, streamline regulatory processes, and reduce telecoms operational costs. The minister also cited IHS Towers’ innovation hub project, regarded as West Africa’s largest, as a model for successful public-private collaboration.
According to him, the IHS innovation hub will train thousands of young Nigerians and provide incubation spaces, mentorship, and access to international investors. He said the hub will mirror successful global models in countries such as India and Brazil, helping to position Nigeria as a regional technology leader.
Tijani added that the broadband expansion would impact multiple sectors beyond technology. He referenced economists’ projections that improving rural connectivity could add up to $25 billion annually to agricultural output, driving export diversification and food security.
He said the federal government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme complements the broadband project by developing skilled workers in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. He noted that about four per cent of the training initiative is devoted exclusively to AI skills.
Tijani praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for implementing policies that prioritize broadband as critical national infrastructure. He said the reforms, which include regulatory clarity and tariff adjustments, are repositioning the sector to drive productivity and sustainable growth.
The Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mr. Mohamad Darwish, said Nigeria’s digital transformation over the past decade has been remarkable, with increased internet penetration driving innovation in e-commerce, online education, and entrepreneurship. He observed that digital platforms now enable small businesses to reach broader audiences and scale faster.
Darwish stated that initiatives such as 3MTT and regional innovation hubs were upskilling young Nigerians and creating a robust tech ecosystem that has made the country Africa’s most vibrant startup hub. However, he said challenges such as poor rural connectivity, unstable power supply, and uneven digital literacy remain major constraints.
He stressed that bridging the digital divide would require continuous investment in broadband infrastructure, partnerships between the public and private sectors, and community-based digital literacy programmes. He said coordinated efforts to expand access and skills will enhance productivity, foster inclusion, and position Nigeria for sustained economic growth. GMTNewsng
