Lagos and Abuja Account for Only 18% of Nigeria's Fibre Optic Cable Deployment
New data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveals that Lagos and Abuja, the country's two largest economic and administrative hubs, together account for just 18% of the total fibre optic cable deployment in Nigeria. This figure underscores the persistent infrastructure gaps that continue to hinder broadband penetration across the nation.
According to the NCC's latest report on fibre infrastructure, Nigeria has a total of approximately 54,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables deployed nationwide. Of this, Lagos State holds about 10% and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) about 8%, leaving the remaining 82% spread across the other 35 states. The data highlights a stark disparity between urban centres and rural areas, with many states lacking adequate backbone infrastructure to support high-speed internet.
Deployment Gaps Persist Despite Policy Efforts
The NCC report indicates that despite various policy initiatives aimed at expanding broadband infrastructure, deployment gaps remain significant. The commission noted that only 12 states have fibre coverage exceeding 1,000 kilometres, while several states in the North-East and North-West regions have less than 500 kilometres of fibre cables. This uneven distribution hampers efforts to achieve the national broadband target of 70% penetration by 2025.
According to the NCC, the average fibre deployment per state stands at about 1,500 kilometres, but the median is much lower, reflecting the concentration in a few states. The commission attributed the gaps to challenges such as right-of-way issues, vandalism, and high deployment costs. It also noted that multiple operators have duplicated fibre routes in major cities, while rural areas remain underserved.
Impact on Broadband Penetration and Digital Economy
The fibre deployment gaps have direct implications for broadband penetration and the growth of Nigeria's digital economy. As of the first quarter of 2026, Nigeria's broadband penetration stood at 44.5%, according to the NCC. The commission has set a target of 70% by 2025, but the current trajectory suggests that this goal may be difficult to achieve without accelerated fibre rollout in underserved areas.
Industry experts have called for a coordinated approach to fibre deployment, including the sharing of infrastructure among operators and the adoption of open-access models. The NCC has also been pushing for the reduction of right-of-way charges by state governments, which have been a major barrier to fibre expansion. Some states have already reduced these charges to as low as N145 per linear metre, but others still charge up to N5,000, creating a patchwork of costs that discourages investment.
Call for Policy Interventions and Infrastructure Sharing
The NCC report recommends that state governments further reduce right-of-way charges and streamline permit processes to encourage fibre deployment. It also suggests that the federal government consider designating fibre infrastructure as a critical national asset to protect it from vandalism and theft.
According to the NCC, “The current fibre deployment gaps are a major bottleneck to achieving universal broadband access. We urge all stakeholders, including state governments, operators, and investors, to collaborate in closing these gaps.” The commission also noted that the Nigeria National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 includes provisions for the deployment of 120,000 kilometres of fibre, but progress has been slow due to funding and regulatory hurdles.
As Nigeria continues to push for digital transformation, the fibre network remains a foundational element. The data from the NCC serves as a reminder that while progress has been made in urban centres, much work remains to connect the rest of the country.
