The Nigerian government’s decision to invest $52 million (N24.20 billion) in providing free broadband internet access in 75 public locations across the country is a significant step towards deepening internet penetration in Nigeria. This move has been welcomed by many Nigerians who see it as a much-needed intervention to address the digital divide in the country.

You will recall that the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved two contracts worth $52 million (N24.20 billion) for the provision of broadband for free internet services in 75 public places including 20 airports, tertiary institutions and markets across the country.

Addressing news men, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja explained that the free internet services would cover airports, public universities and markets spread across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja.

Pantami said his ministry presented two related memoranda to FEC for approval which focused on providing free internet connectivity services, adding that the second one was complementary to a similar approval by Council last year.

He said: “Both memos, you will discover that they will provide broadband to these institutions at the price of approximately $52 million (N24.20 billion) and the project is going to be implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

“The duration for the project is four months minimum and maximum of five months and there is a budgetary provision for that.

Pantami Explain Reasons for the Broadband Internet Access Project

“For universities, it’s because we have learned bitter and better lessons during the COVID-19, so we don’t want to go back to that, we want to ensure that students and staff benefit from unlimited internet. For airports, we know the difficulty when you land without any connectivity.

“So it will even at least make our airports lively, if there is at least internet connectivity that is for free.

“Thirdly for market, it’s to support innovation-driven enterprises that are being championed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where we try to give global visibility to our innovators, to our micro, small and medium enterprises.”

This is one of the several attempts by the Nigerian government in recent times as the country continues to struggle to achieve a high level of broadband penetration. As of March 2021, the country’s broadband penetration was at 41.18 percent, compared to its peer, South Africa, which has achieved over 90 percent penetration since 2019. The National Broadband Plan 2020–2025 has set a target of 70 percent penetration, but investment in high-speed internet infrastructure has been slow, with operators facing high Right of Way fees and regulatory policies affecting their revenues.

Nigeria has a population of over 200 million people, but only 36.67% of this population has access to reliable and affordable internet services as of 2021 according to a Statista report. The lack of internet access has been a major hindrance to economic growth, hindering the development of various sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare. This new initiative will deepen internet penetration, improve the lives of millions of Nigerians and bridge the digital divide. As more and more Nigerians gain access to the internet, the country will become better connected and better positioned to participate in the global economy.

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How the Free Broadband Internet will further deepen Internet Penetration in Nigeria

The provision of free broadband internet access in public locations such as airports, universities, and markets will undoubtedly boost the country’s economy, as it will provide access to information, resources, and markets for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The initiative will help bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas, making it easier for people living in remote areas to access the internet and the opportunities it offers.

One of the most significant benefits of this initiative is the impact it will have on education. The availability of free broadband internet access in universities and other higher education institutions will enhance the learning experience for students and make it easier for them to access research materials and online resources. This will ultimately improve the quality of education in Nigeria and make it more accessible to students who may not have had access to it before.

The initiative will also provide a boost to the tourism sector, as the provision of free broadband internet access in airports will make it easier for tourists to access information and resources while they are traveling. This will enhance their overall experience and make Nigeria a more attractive destination for tourists.

Another significant benefit of this initiative is the impact it will have on small businesses. The provision of free broadband internet access in markets will make it easier for small businesses to access markets and connect with customers. This will ultimately help to grow their businesses and create more employment opportunities in Nigeria.

Drives Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Furthermore, the initiative will help to drive innovation in the country, as the availability of free broadband internet access will make it easier for entrepreneurs and startups to access the resources they need to develop new products and services. This will ultimately help to diversify Nigeria’s economy and make it more competitive in the global market.

However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the success of this initiative. One of the most significant challenges is ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to support the provision of free broadband internet access. This will require significant investment in the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, including the deployment of fiber optic cables and the upgrading of existing networks.

Another challenge is ensuring that the initiative is sustainable in the long term. This will require ongoing investment in the infrastructure and the provision of maintenance and support services to ensure that the network remains reliable and secure.

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In conclusion, the Nigerian government’s decision to invest N24.20 billion in providing free broadband internet access in 75 public locations across the country is a significant step towards deepening internet penetration in Nigeria. The initiative will provide a boost to the country’s economy, improve access to education and healthcare, and help to drive innovation and growth. However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the success of the initiative, and ongoing investment and support will be required to ensure that the network remains reliable and secure in the long term.