By Damilola Fatunmise
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in addressing the pervasive digital inequities that hinder its development. Despite being Africa’s largest economy, millions of Nigerians remain on the wrong side of the digital divide, with limited access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services. Bridging this gap is essential for fostering economic growth, improving education, and ensuring inclusive access to opportunities.
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, which contributes over 14% to the national GDP, has witnessed exponential growth in mobile connectivity. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country boasts over 220 million active mobile subscriptions and an internet penetration rate of 44.3% as of 2023. Yet, significant disparities persist. Rural areas, home to nearly half of Nigeria’s population, have internet penetration rates below 25%, compared to over 60% in urban centers.
Additionally, the affordability of data remains a barrier. The Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) reports that an average Nigerian spends about 2.7% of their monthly income on 1GB of data, which exceeds the recommended affordability threshold of 2%.
James Paul Onoja, a Customer Project Manager at LM Ericsson Nigeria Limited, explains, “The primary challenges revolve around infrastructure deficits, energy supply issues, and regulatory hurdles. Many rural communities are underserved because deploying network infrastructure in these areas is costly and yields lower financial returns.”
Onoja, who holds a Master of Information Technology from the University of Lagos, adds that unreliable power supply exacerbates the problem, as telecom operators rely heavily on diesel generators to maintain service continuity. “This significantly raises operating costs, which are often passed on to consumers,” he notes.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria’s telecom sector is ripe with opportunities. The rise of 4G networks and the ongoing rollout of 5G technology provide a solid foundation for enhanced connectivity. Private-public partnerships (PPPs) could also play a pivotal role in financing and expanding infrastructure to underserved regions.
Onoja highlights the potential of leveraging satellite technology and community networks to reach remote areas. “Satellite solutions can complement terrestrial networks, ensuring connectivity in regions where laying fiber or building cell towers isn’t feasible,” he suggests.
Moreover, the Nigerian government’s National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) aims to achieve 70% broadband penetration by 2025. If implemented effectively, this plan could serve as a catalyst for digital inclusion.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Onoja offers several strategies for narrowing the digital divide: “The government should offer tax breaks and subsidies to telecom operators investing in rural areas. Simplified regulatory processes can also accelerate infrastructure deployment,” Onoja recommends. Partnerships between telecom companies, tech firms, and non-governmental organizations can create innovative solutions tailored to local needs. Onoja emphasizes, “Collaboration is essential for developing affordable devices and data plans.” To tackle the energy crisis, telecom operators should adopt renewable energy sources such as solar power. “This approach not only reduces costs but also aligns with global sustainability goals,” he adds. Beyond infrastructure, Onoja underscores the importance of education. “Equipping people with digital skills ensures they can fully utilize available resources and participate in the digital economy,” he says.
Bridging digital inequities in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach, combining technological innovation, policy interventions, and collaborative efforts. As Onoja aptly puts it, “Addressing these gaps is not just a telecom challenge but a national imperative.”
With sustained efforts and strategic investments, Nigeria can unlock the transformative power of connectivity, empowering millions and driving inclusive development across the nation.