Nigeria’s push to grow its digital economy is gaining fresh momentum as the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) backs a $900 million broadband expansion plan focused on empowering local Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Tony Emoekpere, ATCON president, who disclosed this at its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, said Nigeria’s economic future will depend on how well indigenous telecom operators are supported to extend connectivity beyond major cities into underserved areas.
He explained that broadband development must go beyond urban centres, stressing that local ISPs are better placed to deliver last-mile connectivity, design services that fit local needs, and drive innovation at the grassroots level. According to him, strengthening these operators will unlock wider opportunities in sectors such as fintech, software development, and digital platforms.
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The broadband push is being driven by Project BRIDGE, a nationwide fibre rollout backed by about $900 million in funding from global institutions. These include $500 million from the World Bank, $200 million from the African Development Bank, $100 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and another $100 million from Agence Française de Développement.
The project aims to extend fibre infrastructure across all states, local government areas, and wards in Nigeria. With its open-access model, stakeholders say the initiative will allow smaller ISPs to lease capacity, expand their reach, and compete more effectively in the market.
Industry experts believe this could mark a turning point in closing Nigeria’s connectivity gap and accelerating digital inclusion across rural and semi-urban communities.
Also speaking, Chidi Ibisi of Broadband Limited said local content should be seen as a tool for economic growth rather than protectionism. He noted that the focus should be on building capacity, increasing local participation, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Ibisi highlighted the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), noting that they account for over 98 per cent of businesses in Nigeria and contribute more than 50 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He added that while foreign investment remains essential in capital-intensive sectors like telecoms, it must be linked to job creation, skills development, and value retention within the country.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that the broadband expansion will go beyond improving internet access. They said it will stimulate economic activities by enabling digital businesses to grow, create jobs, and expand services nationwide.
However, they warned that the success of the initiative will depend on having a clear and well-structured local content framework for the telecom sector. Without this, they cautioned, implementation could be weak and fail to deliver real benefits.
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To address this, ATCON said it plans to take a leading role in shaping policy direction through industry collaboration. This includes developing a telecom-specific local content framework and setting up a multi-stakeholder committee to guide implementation.
The association also signalled its preference for self-regulation, aimed at aligning industry players and creating a practical roadmap for inclusive growth.
With Nigeria already gaining global attention in fintech and software development, stakeholders said the right mix of infrastructure, policy clarity, and strong local participation could unlock significant economic expansion.
The consensus at the meeting was clear: empowering local ISPs and SMEs is not just a telecom strategy, it is central to Nigeria’s broader digital and economic future.
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