The Federal Government is set to begin deploying a 90,000 kilometre fibre optic network across Nigeria within weeks, in a major push to expand broadband access and improve internet connectivity.
The project is expected to connect all states, local government areas and wards, creating a wider digital infrastructure base for businesses, households and public institutions.
The News Chronicle reports that Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani said funding and contractual arrangements for the project had been completed, paving the way for physical deployment.
The government will also install about 3,700 telecommunication towers from October to serve more than 20 million Nigerians in host communities.
Tijani said the sector reforms which include the designation of digital infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, tariff restructuring and tax harmonisation, among others, had added value to the industry. The telecoms sector now contributes almost 21 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP compared to 16-18 per cent before.
Meanwhile, the NCC has signed a 15 year lease agreement with the Enugu State Government for its Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre. The facility is expected to become Enugu Talent City and an Artificial Intelligence Institute, supporting skills development and digital innovation.
The government is also set to launch an alphanumeric postcode system on October 1.
