Business
FG Unveils Co-Investment Plans In Telecom Infrastructure Expansion
The Federal Government has disclosed plans to co-invest in expanding telecom infrastructure to reduce connectivity gaps across the country.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who disclosed this in a release, noted that the initiative aims to support private sector efforts in achieving high-quality connectivity, especially in underserved regions across the country.
Tijani emphasised that relying solely on private sector funding would not suffice to bridge the digital divide, saying telecom companies typically focus investments in areas where short-term returns are more guaranteed.
“The challenge with private funding is that businesses tend to focus on areas with immediate returns, which often leaves less profitable regions underserved”, Tijani explained.
To address this, he said the government must play an active role by investing alongside the private sector, ensuring that connectivity reaches all Nigerians, noting that government’s investment goes beyond just internet access.
Tijani further noted that connectivity is increasingly recognised as a critical resource for sectors such as agriculture, security, and mining, all of which rely on reliable telecom infrastructure for growth and development.
He warned that without adequate infrastructure, national security and economic progress in these key sectors would be at risk.
“This infrastructure will aim for comprehensive nationwide coverage, with significant improvements expected by mid-2025.
“Government intends to manage the deployment through its entities but with private-sector efficiency, while also maintaining government oversight on the board”, he noted.
In addition to the fibre-optic expansion, Tijani acknowledged the role of satellite-based services in telecommunications.
He revealed that, although a few satellite providers have been licensed over the years, the government may need to invest further to enhance these services and ensure quality connectivity across the country.
Corlins Walter