The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has signed a $10 million deal with West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) to enhance fibre connectivity, bringing high-speed internet access to homes and offices across Nigeria.
Speaking at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday between the WIOCC group and the Communications Ministry, Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani said despite the recent difficult decision to increase tariffs for telecommunication operators, the government recognises their critical role in achieving its vision of a one trillion-dollar economy. He emphasised that the partnership is a necessary step towards encouraging investment in the digital sector.
“We recognise that there is more than one way to achieve meaningful connectivity, so you can’t limit people just to their mobile connection. We must ensure we are encouraging investment in all parts of the value chain that deliver connectivity to people. One of the areas Nigerians have not fully benefited from is fibre connection to homes and other essential places,” he explained.
Dr. Tijani also highlighted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed provides opportunities for job creation and other economic benefits.
“There is tremendous potential to leverage the investment in submarine cables into the country. This partnership is a significant step, with WIOCC investing heavily to ensure the infrastructure and expertise required to bring this opportunity to Nigerians is fully utilised.”
“This is not something that is just starting; WIOCC has already been working in places like Lagos. What we want is for the government to work seamlessly with companies like this to help them deliver their goals across the entire country.”
He added that the agreement is not exclusive, stating, “It will be open to any serious business that wants to invest in our nation.”
“We are a significant market with over 230 million people, growing by five million annually. Therefore, we must create job opportunities. The agreement includes specific provisions for collaborations to train Nigerians, creating opportunities to generate jobs, support small businesses, and empower Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to deliver these services.”
The minister also urged WIOCC to consider producing the gadgets used for its operations locally, as the government is working to improve the manufacturing industry and its ancillary sectors.
In addition, WIOCC Group’s Chief Business Development Officer, Mr. Darren Bedford, said, “The MoU with the Ministry of Communications underscores our commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation. By working together, we aim to create a robust digital ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders and drives sustainable economic growth.”
A statement released by WIOCC Group explained that the partnership aims to improve stakeholder engagement by collaborating to update and enhance the National Policy on Telecommunications to better meet the needs of the digital economy. WIOCC Group has committed to investing in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, including developing a large-scale, open-access digital platform for internet service providers (ISPs) with advanced fibre and colocation facilities.
The partnership will also foster collaboration with the Nigerian Broadband Alliance to enhance broadband quality and accessibility. WIOCC will expand fibre infrastructure and help ISPs connect more homes and businesses. Additionally, WIOCC will offer digital infrastructure training and support job creation for Nigerian youth.