Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, revealed his plans on X, to address the pressing issue of internet quality and access in Nigeria.
With a focus on fostering partnerships, the minister is set to discuss two key initiatives during his upcoming participation at the World Economic Forum (WeF).
Under the banner of “Broadband Access For All,” Dr. Tijani aims to bridge the internet quality and access gap in Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved areas. A whitepaper outlining the first step of this ambitious plan has been shared by the minister on his page.
The core strategy outlined in the whitepaper revolves around building an alliance to address the non-consumption gap, ensuring affordable access for all Nigerians. Dr. Tijani emphasized the significance of connectivity in driving the country’s digital economy, aligning with the Infrastructure pillar of the government’s Strategic Blueprint.
However, the announcement has generated discussions on social media platforms, with Twitter users expressing their thoughts and concerns. @tosinamuda highlighted the need to address the concerns of mobile broadband users, emphasizing the importance of Quality of Service (QOS) and download speeds for existing mobile broadband, which constitutes 99% of the broadband base.
Responding to the announcement, @MusariHammed praised the initiative but urged the inclusion of alternative power sources in the project plans. He emphasized that incorporating alternative power supply is crucial for ensuring that citizens, especially students and pupils in rural and remote areas, can benefit significantly from the broadband expansion.
Some Nigerians believe that Dr. Tijani initiative is the right step in the right direction and if implemented will likely expand and improve the access to quality internet.