Digital darkness: No one must be left behind — Minister Tijani
By Blessing Emmanuel
The Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, along with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), has reaffirmed its dedication to reducing the country’s digital disparity. The authorities have underscored the necessity of ensuring that digital connectivity is accessible to all citizens, framing it as a fundamental need rather than a privilege.
Speaking at a recent stakeholder engagement event, organised by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, highlighted the government’s determination to extend digital infrastructure to every part of the country. He acknowledged that while progress has been made, millions, especially those in rural and underserved areas, still lack reliable internet access.
Dr. Tijani underscored the government’s strategy to close the connectivity gap, stating, “We must work collectively to ensure that no community is marginalised in our push towards a digitally inclusive Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed the government’s initiatives, including Project BRIDGE, an ambitious plan to expand fibre optic connectivity across 774 local government areas with a 90,000km broadband infrastructure rollout.
Encouraging collaboration, the Minister emphasised that addressing digital inequality requires the concerted effort of various stakeholders, spanning the public and private sectors.
“Sustained and inclusive progress can only be achieved through strong partnerships. Government alone cannot achieve this goal—effective cooperation with private sector players, local communities, and development organisations is essential,” he stated.
Dr Tijani also outlined four key areas for joint action: community engagement to ensure digital solutions align with local needs, leveraging existing infrastructure for efficiency, adopting innovative financing models for rural connectivity, and promoting industry-wide collaboration.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Joe Har, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to digital inclusivity.
“Reliable digital access is a necessity, not a luxury,” he stated, underlining that the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has been a driving force in expanding Nigeria’s connectivity landscape. He highlighted various initiatives, including the expansion of fibre-optic networks, the deployment of high-speed internet to all local government areas through Project 774, and the implementation of base transceiver stations (BTS) to extend connectivity to remote communities.
Dr Har further stressed the importance of tailored, forward-thinking strategies to address the digital exclusion faced by underserved populations. He called on government agencies, telecom providers, and other stakeholders to commit to collaboration in formulating actionable solutions that will accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and enhance opportunities in the digital economy.
“As we strive towards achieving a $1 trillion economy, our focus must be on bridging the digital divide at all levels,” he stated.
Echoing his sentiments, Dr. Tijani reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to building an inclusive digital future.
“We must not relent in our efforts to ensure that no community remains disconnected in today’s technology-driven world,” he added.
