Fibre Optic Expansion: Nigeria Aims for 95,000km to Fuel Technological Innovation

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has unveiled a strategic plan to expand the country’s fibre optic cable network.

This ambitious undertaking seeks to elevate internet connectivity across schools, hospitals, workplaces, and public spaces, setting the stage for increased technological advancements.

During a recent interview on a national television station, Minister Tijani highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to extending the current 45,000km fibre optic cable network to an impressive 95,000km within the next four years.

The goal is to create a robust digital infrastructure that will facilitate widespread internet access, fostering innovation and development throughout the country.

While Nigeria has already embraced 5G technology, its deployment has been limited due to inadequate infrastructure. Minister Tijani emphasized the importance of increasing the quantity of infrastructure supporting 5G, ensuring its accessibility across various regions.

He pointed out that with seven existing submarine cables and an additional two set to land in Nigeria before year-end, broadband internet connectivity will witness a substantial boost, providing the platform for groundbreaking technology-driven progress.

Minister Tijani recognized Nigeria’s demographic advantage, boasting a youthful population that can harness technology to drive economic growth.

He underscored the significance of leveraging this demographic dividend to position the country as a global technology hub.

Addressing concerns about service quality in the telecoms industry, the Minister referred to the recently released strategic blueprint, outlining industry challenges and proposing technological solutions.

The blueprint aims to tackle issues such as drop calls, emphasizing the need for increased investment in submarine cable deployment to enhance connectivity and resolve service quality challenges.

In collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Ministry is engaged in an intellectual conversation to ensure optimal customer experience regarding service quality.

Minister Tijani emphasized the ongoing efforts to designate telecoms infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, aiming to curb vandalization and enhance service delivery.

As Nigeria forges ahead with its fibre optic expansion, the nation anticipates a transformative era of technological innovation, economic growth, and improved digital connectivity.

Minister Tijani’s vision aligns with a future where Nigeria takes center stage in the global technology landscape.