Minister Tijani Calls for Telecom Expansion to Deliver Tangible Value to Nigerians
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has declared that Nigeria's increasing investment in telecommunications infrastructure must result in tangible benefits for citizens, emphasizing that merely expanding network coverage is no longer adequate. Tijani made these remarks on Friday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Board of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), where he advocated for a stronger emphasis on how connectivity can enhance livelihoods, bolster businesses, and promote inclusion nationwide.
Beyond Basic Access: Focusing on Economic Opportunities
Dr Tijani highlighted that while Nigeria has achieved steady progress since the introduction of GSM, access to telecom services does not automatically equate to economic opportunity for many Nigerians, particularly in rural communities. "It is not enough to connect a community. We must ensure that schools are able to teach with digital tools and that small businesses can access opportunities in the market," he stated. He pointed out that digital technology is now central to modern economies, making it crucial for connectivity to evolve beyond basic access and start delivering measurable outcomes for users.
Case Study: Impact of Telecom Deployment in Rural Areas
The minister cited a pilot project in a rural community near Abuja where the deployment of telecom infrastructure transformed how residents communicate and conduct business. Prior to the intervention, residents relied on occasional trips to urban centers to access mobile networks. With connectivity now available, daily communication and market access have significantly improved. "This simply shows that when properly deployed, telecom infrastructure can directly impact local economies and quality of life," Tijani noted.
Government Investments and Sustainability Concerns
Dr Tijani disclosed that the Federal Government is heavily investing in digital infrastructure, including plans to roll out approximately 90,000 kilometers of fibre optic network and nearly 4,000 telecom towers across the nation, with a substantial portion aimed at underserved areas. However, he stressed that infrastructure rollout must be accompanied by efforts to ensure people can practically utilize the technology. He called for a reevaluation of how success is measured in the sector, urging stakeholders to prioritize outcomes over the number of projects executed. "Some past interventions have not delivered lasting value, largely due to weak sustainability plans. We must adopt approaches that ensure projects remain functional and relevant over time," Tijani emphasized.
NCC's Perspective on Bridging Connectivity Gaps
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, described the inauguration as a critical step in strengthening efforts to bridge connectivity gaps nationwide. Maida observed that although data usage has grown rapidly in recent years, much of the increase is concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural communities at a disadvantage. "The task ahead is not only to extend coverage but also to ensure that connectivity supports economic activity and development in underserved areas," Maida emphasized.
