The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) to provide internet facilities and services to three million Nigerian homes.
The project, backed by a $10 million initial investment from WIOCC, aims to enhance internet access in both urban and rural areas, bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive development.
Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, signed the agreement on behalf of the Federal Government, while Darren Bedford, WIOCC’s Group Chief Development Officer, signed on behalf of the company during the ceremony held in Abuja.
Tijani noted that the initiative would facilitate the connection of fiber optic cables to Nigerian homes, schools, hospitals, and public offices, enabling reliable internet services.
“The partnership will create opportunities for training Nigerians and supporting the local manufacturing of accessories such as batteries,” Tijani said.
The Minister said that widespread internet connectivity in Nigerian homes and offices would soon drive down the prices of data, calls, and SMS, as Nigerians would have alternative platforms for internet access across the country, beyond just their phones.
Tijani explained that the development is a key part of the current administration’s efforts to position Nigeria as a $1 trillion economy in the coming years, with both the government and private sector making aggressive investments in digital infrastructure.
He added that once completed, the project would provide Nigerians in cities with a minimum internet speed of 25Mbps for downloads at home, while those in rural areas would have at least 10Mbps download speeds in their homes.
According to him, “This company is already making significant investments in Nigeria, starting with their submarine cable investment. However, what’s even more important is that they are bringing something long overdue for our people – fiber-to-home connectivity.
“Imagine needing to use the internet – this is the global standard. You shouldn’t have to wait to use it on your phone. The ability to access top-quality, world-class service is only possible if you have that kind of connection. Our goal is to make this mainstream, so it’s not just available in a few high-end estates or parts of Lagos. They are committing to connecting around 3 million homes in the coming years.”
In his remarks, Darren Bedford, the Group Chief Development Officer for WIOCC, said that the MoU signed with the Federal Government aimed to bring internet directly to homes, hospitals, schools, and other key establishments.
Bedford stated that the initial phase of the investment would cost his company approximately $10 million, with plans to expand coverage to more states, local governments, and institutions.
He highlighted that over 40,000 homes and several institutions have already been connected with fiber infrastructure for internet services. However, he acknowledged challenges, including Right of Way (RoW) issues and insecurity in certain states.
He emphasized the significant impact of the project, noting that most of Nigeria remains unconnected, with people and businesses relying on mobile internet rather than high-speed broadband. “This project is the first step in creating an environment where Nigerians can participate in the global digital economy,” he said.
With an initial target of connecting 3 million homes, Bedford explained that the goal is to set realistic expectations, allowing for reassessment during the rollout.
He suggested that the target could grow to 10 or even 30 million homes as the project progresses
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