Rewriting Nigeria’s Telecom Future (Part 2): NCC’s Broadband Expansion Drive to Connect Every Nigerian

By Eyo Nsima

As Nigeria positions itself for a new era of digital growth, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has placed broadband expansion and infrastructure rollout at the heart of its review of the National Telecommunications Policy 2000.

The Commission’s consultation paper, released this month, signals a deliberate and forward-looking strategy to ensure that every Nigerian — in both urban and rural communities — gains access to fast, reliable, and affordable internet services.

For decades, broadband rollout has been hampered by fragmented regulations, high infrastructure costs, and inconsistent right-of-way (RoW) charges across states. By proactively addressing these challenges, the NCC is demonstrating regulatory foresight and its commitment to transforming connectivity into a catalyst for national development.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Despite massive growth in mobile telephony, broadband penetration in Nigeria remains uneven. Millions of Nigerians in rural and underserved communities still struggle with poor connectivity, limiting access to digital education, healthcare, and financial services.

The NCC’s proposed policy reforms seek to remove the structural barriers preventing widespread fibre deployment. By harmonising RoW fees and streamlining approval processes across states, the Commission aims to reduce the cost of network rollout — a step that is expected to accelerate broadband availability in previously neglected regions.

“Broadband is not just about speed or convenience; it is national infrastructure,” said a Lagos-based telecom analyst. “NCC’s initiative ensures that connectivity becomes a foundation for inclusive economic growth.”

Incentivising Infrastructure Investment

Broadband expansion is capital-intensive. Fibre networks, mobile towers, and last-mile connectivity projects require billions of naira in investment. By clarifying the regulatory framework and offering consistent guidelines for infrastructure development, the NCC is sending a clear signal to investors: Nigeria is ready for large-scale digital infrastructure growth.

Industry insiders say that NCC’s approach — combining incentives with regulation — encourages private sector participation while maintaining accountability. Transparent policies on permits, RoW, and fibre-sharing arrangements reduce uncertainty, creating a more attractive environment for telecom operators and new entrants alike.

Fibre, 5G, and Beyond

The review also addresses Nigeria’s readiness for next-generation networks. While 4G has reached many urban areas, 5G deployment remains in its early stages. Expanding fibre networks to support these technologies is critical, as fibre forms the backbone for high-speed, low-latency connectivity essential for AI applications, remote work, telemedicine, and smart cities.

By explicitly prioritising infrastructure rollout, the NCC ensures that Nigeria is not only catching up with global digital standards but also creating the platform for emerging technologies to thrive.

Public-Private Collaboration

The NCC recognises that government and private sector collaboration is key to achieving national broadband goals. The consultation paper encourages operators, technology companies, and civil society to contribute ideas on practical ways to accelerate deployment, share infrastructure, and reduce duplication.

Analysts believe this consultative approach demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency, providing a platform for innovative solutions that balance commercial viability with public interest.

Expected Benefits

If implemented effectively, the reforms could deliver transformative results:

• Enhanced connectivity: Millions more Nigerians, including schools, healthcare facilities, and rural communities, will gain reliable internet access.

• Economic growth: Broader digital inclusion will unlock new business opportunities, boost e-commerce, and facilitate financial technology adoption.

• Job creation: Infrastructure rollout and maintenance, as well as the expansion of digital services, will generate employment across multiple sectors.

• Innovation: A robust broadband network will support startups, technology hubs, and research initiatives.

Leadership in Action

The NCC’s leadership in this policy review underscores its understanding of the strategic role of broadband in Nigeria’s development. By addressing the challenges of cost, regulation, and infrastructure coordination now, the Commission is laying the groundwork for a nationwide digital transformation that will impact education, healthcare, commerce, and governance for decades to come.

Experts note that the Commission’s proactive stance differentiates Nigeria from many African countries, where broadband expansion is often stalled by regulatory uncertainty or slow policy response.

Conclusion

As the consultation process unfolds, the NCC continues to demonstrate that it is not merely a regulator but a visionary architect of Nigeria’s digital future. By prioritising broadband expansion and infrastructure rollout, the Commission is taking concrete steps to ensure that the promise of digital connectivity reaches every corner of the nation.

With NCC’s leadership, Nigeria is poised to bridge the digital divide, attract critical investment, and position itself as a leader in Africa’s emerging digital economy.