21 million Nigerians across 4,834 communities lack telecom access — Tijani

There are 21 million Nigerians across 4,834 communities, most rural areas, that lack access to basic mobile connectivity, according to Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

He disclosed this while announcing two announcements pertaining to the digital economy from the Federal Executive Council meeting on Tuesday. These announcements include the establishment of the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project and the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust.

The minister highlighted that the Universal Communication Access Project would be implemented under a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) funding model and will complement Project Bridge, the country’s 90,000km fibre fund.

He said it “aims to connect over 21 million people across 4,834 communities in Nigeria today that lack the most basic mobile communications access, particularly in remote rural areas.”

In 2022, the Universal Service Provision Fund noted that there were 27.91 million Nigerians living in areas underserved and unserved by telecom services.

Tijani, whose ministry launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) also on Tuesday to close the internet gap for Nigerians living in underserved and unserved areas, noted that delivering additional base stations to these areas will ultimately improve the quality of life for many.

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NBAN is a policy initiative that aims to expand internet access to underserved and unserved areas through collaboration between public institutions, telecom operators and infrastructure providers, technology companies, civil society organizations, and international partners.

It forms part of the ministry’s effort to achieve broadband penetration of 70 percent this year, up from 44.43 percent as of 2024’s end. Other efforts to close Nigeria’s well-documented connectivity gaps include a 90,000 km fibre project to expand the country’s connectivity backbone to 120,000 km.

“In today’s digital era, broadband connectivity is not just a necessity; it is the backbone of economic growth, innovation, and inclusion,” stated Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) during NBAN’s launch.

As the country strives to close its connectivity gap, it also has its sights set on becoming a leading voice in AI. Tijani noted that FEC has approved the establishment of the National AI Trust, which will consist of 10 AI experts, himself, and the minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.

This group will be tasked with mobilising resources and providing oversight and guidance in the development of AI in Nigeria.

“The Trust will also help future-proof our investment in AI across key sectors of the economy in recognition of the technology’s transformative power in driving job creation and attracting foreign direct investment,” the minister said.

Despite criticism, Tijani has prioritised positioning Nigeria in the global AI race since becoming minister.

“The US, UK, and Asia all have input on how AI is developed and regulated… In a short while, there will be a convergence of AI systems; so Nigeria should be part of that global superpower in the development and regulations of AI,” he said when the country gathered experts to draft a National AI strategy in April 2024.

However, this AI aspiration depends on improved digital infrastructure and expanded broadband connectivity.

“Nigeria aspires to be a global leader in AI, but achieving this vision requires a foundational infrastructure for AI and other emerging technologies,” the experts that drafted the National AI strategy noted in the draft document.