Introduction
The Internet has become an integral part of our lives, revolutionizing the way we communicate, work, learn, and access information. Since the ICT revolution in Nigeria, the expansion and improvement of Internet infrastructure have become necessary for socioeconomic development and bridging the digital divide. Therefore, the discussion on the establishment of Internet infrastructures, the current state of the Internet infrastructure, and the efforts being made to enhance the development of Internet infrastructures in Nigeria will be the focus of this article.
In Nigeria, the establishment of Internet development started in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Nigerian government recognized the importance of internet connectivity for national development and took steps to promote its growth. As a result, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the regulatory body for the telecommunications industry, began facilitating the establishment of internet development in the country. The NCC implemented policies and regulations to encourage investment, competition, and infrastructure development.
Therefore, saw the emergence of Private internet service providers (ISPs), offering internet connectivity services to businesses and individuals. These ISPs played a vital role in expanding access to the internet and boosting competition in the market. The establishment of internet development in Nigeria also saw the landing of submarine fiber optic cables along the country’s coastline. See the roles of telecommunications in the ICT revolution to get a better understanding of their impacts on internet infrastructural development. These cables, such as the MainOne Cable, Glo-1, and West Africa Cable System (WACS), significantly increased the country’s bandwidth capacity and improved internet speed and reliability.
Current State of Internet Infrastructure
Despite significant progress in recent years, Nigeria still faces challenges in terms of internet infrastructure. The country experiences disparities in connectivity between urban and rural areas, with the majority of internet access concentrated in urban centers. It’s important to note that the state of internet infrastructure is dynamic and continuously evolving. Ongoing efforts are being made to further develop and expand internet infrastructure in Nigeria to meet the growing demands of digital connectivity. Furthermore, the Nigerian government has set targets for achieving widespread internet infrastructure development and access across the country.
Internet Infrastructure Development
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), key measures are put in place to ensure broadband and internet connectivity penetrates all the rural areas and strengthens the connectivity in urban areas so as to impact businesses and individual telecom users in Nigeria. These measures include:
Submarine Cable Systems
Nigeria has made significant strides in connecting to international networks through submarine cable systems. The landing of submarine cables, such as MainOne, Glo-1, and West Africa Cable System (WACS), has increased the country’s bandwidth capacity and reduced reliance on expensive satellite connectivity. These developments have improved internet speed and quality in major urban areas.
National Broadband Plan
To address the challenges of internet infrastructure, Nigeria launched the National Broadband Plan (NBP) in 2013, with a vision to provide broadband connectivity to all citizens. The plan aims to achieve a minimum broadband penetration of 70% by 2025, with specific strategies to increase coverage in underserved and unserved areas. Through partnerships with the private sector, the government is investing in expanding broadband infrastructure across the country. However, there is still more on the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), which expanded from 2020-2025 and has four critical pillars which are: Infrastructure, Policy, Demand Drivers, and Funding/Incentives.
Infrastructure Development Initiatives
Various initiatives have been launched to boost internet infrastructure development in Nigeria. One notable initiative is the Infrastructure Company (InfraCo), created by the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). InfraCo aims to deploy broadband infrastructure across all 774 local government areas in the country, ensuring widespread connectivity and stimulating digital inclusion.
Fiber Optic Network Expansion
The expansion of fiber optic networks plays a critical role in enhancing internet infrastructure. Efforts are underway to lay more fiber optic cables, connecting major cities and towns to facilitate faster and more reliable internet access. Additionally, initiatives like the National Rural Telephony Project (NRTP) focus on extending connectivity to rural areas, leveraging fiber optic technology for last-mile connectivity.
Collaboration with the Private Sector
The Nigerian government recognizes the importance of collaboration with the private sector to drive internet infrastructure development. Public-private partnerships are being fostered to attract investments, promote competition, and facilitate the deployment of advanced technologies. These partnerships aim to leverage the expertise and resources of private companies to accelerate infrastructure rollout.
Mobile Internet
Mobile internet usage is witnessing substantial growth in Nigeria, driven by the availability of affordable smartphones and mobile data plans. Mobile network operators have been investing in expanding their 4G and 5G networks to provide faster and more accessible internet services to a broader population.
Enhancing Regulatory Environment
Creating a favorable regulatory environment is crucial for Internet infrastructure development. The NCC plays a vital role in regulating the telecom sector and has implemented policies to encourage investment, competition, and innovation. Streamlining bureaucratic processes, reducing right-of-way charges, and ensuring fair market practices are essential steps to attract investors and promote infrastructure growth.
Conclusion
Internet infrastructure development in Nigeria is a key priority for the government as it seeks to bridge the digital divide and foster socio-economic growth. Through initiatives like the National Broadband Plan, infrastructure projects, public-private partnerships, and regulatory reforms, significant progress is being made. However, sustained efforts and investments are needed to ensure equitable access to high-quality internet services across the country, empowering individuals, businesses, and communities in the digital age.
