September 4, 2025 – Nigeria’s drive to deepen digital connectivity is facing setbacks as broadband penetration crawls at 48 percent, far below the 70 percent target set in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020–2025.
The ambitious plan, launched five years ago, aimed to expand broadband coverage nationwide, bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and supporting growth in education, healthcare, commerce, and governance. However, slow infrastructure rollout, high deployment costs, and regulatory hurdles have limited progress.
Industry experts warn that the country risks missing its target unless urgent interventions are made, particularly in addressing challenges around right-of-way charges, multiple taxation, and limited power supply.
Telecom operators have also called for stronger government support and private-sector investment to accelerate network expansion, especially in underserved rural areas where access to affordable, high-speed internet remains scarce.
Failure to meet the broadband goal could stall Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions, which hinge on robust connectivity to drive innovation, attract investment, and create new jobs in the fast-growing tech ecosystem.
