By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Communications Commission has reaffirmed the importance of strategic collaboration and capacity building in accelerating broadband expansion and driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Aminu Maida, disclosed that the Federal Government, through Project BRIDGE, plans to deploy an additional 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables to expand connectivity and deepen digital inclusion across all 774 Local Government Areas in the country.
He noted that sustained collaboration remains central to NCC’s regulatory strategy for infrastructure development and sectoral growth, especially as Nigeria advances its digital economy agenda.
Maida also emphasised the significance of the 2024 Presidential Order designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), describing it as a key step toward protecting national digital assets.
He stressed that a well-trained workforce is essential for achieving a fully connected and digitally empowered Nigeria, adding that ongoing capacity-building programmes would equip stakeholders with the skills needed to improve regulatory efficiency and accelerate fibre deployment.
In her goodwill message, the Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy at the Delegation of the European Union, Inga Stefanowicz, highlighted the EU’s global strategy, which prioritises investments in digital infrastructure, transport, energy, health, and education.
She noted that the EU approach is already being implemented across several African countries, including Nigeria, through partnerships aimed at mobilising private sector investment to bridge infrastructure funding gaps.
Stefanowicz referenced the EU Digital Economy Package for Nigeria, launched in 2022, valued at €820 million, including €160 million in grants, designed to support digital skills, innovation hubs, digital businesses, and public digital infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on fibre optic expansion.
She added that the initiative is aimed at strengthening Europe Africa cooperation while supporting long-term digital transformation across both public and private sectors.
She urged participants in the training programme to actively engage and take advantage of opportunities being provided by the EU and its partners to advance Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
