NCC EVC Advocates Stronger Broadband Investments, Infrastructure Protection at National Business Roundtable
By Adeyemi Obadimu
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for sustained collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and security agencies to strengthen investments in broadband infrastructure and safeguard Nigeria’s critical national assets.
He made this call while delivering his remarks at the Business Roundtable on Improving Investments in Broadband Connectivity and Safeguarding Critical National Infrastructure, held at the NCC Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, under the theme “Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity.”
Connectivity as the Engine of Growth
In his address, the EVC framed the discussion with a powerful question: “How much is an hour of connectivity worth?”
He emphasized that connectivity is the unseen enabler powering every aspect of modern life — from an industrialist in Enugu managing exports to a technician in Yenagoa monitoring dashboards, or a merchant in Kano coordinating cross-border payments.
“When connectivity fails, opportunities evaporate, productivity stalls, and in critical situations, lives can be put at risk,” he said. “History shows that nations that embraced innovation—from steam to electrification—surged ahead. Today, data, broadband, and artificial intelligence are the new engines of progress.”
Nigeria’s Progress and Economic Potential
Highlighting recent progress, the EVC revealed that as of August 2025, Nigeria’s broadband penetration stood at 48.81%, representing over 140 million active internet users. He noted that the ICT and telecommunications sector remains one of the leading contributors to Nigeria’s GDP, underscoring its transformative economic impact.
He further explained that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can boost GDP by 1.38% in developing economies, adding that a leap to 70% penetration would translate into billions of naira in new economic activity, job creation, innovation hubs, and digital empowerment opportunities.
“The goal is not just faster downloads or clearer video calls,” he noted. “Connectivity today equals economic inclusion, productivity, and national resilience.”
Ongoing Reforms and Strategic Actions
Speaking on ongoing reforms, the EVC commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for driving the implementation of the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025), which targets 70% broadband penetration and 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic backbone by the end of 2025.
“At the Nigerian Communications Commission, we have translated this vision into deliberate and strategic action — driving broadband expansion, strengthening regulation, and safeguarding the industry, even within a challenging operating environment,” the EVC affirmed.
Protection of Critical National Infrastructure
The EVC also highlighted the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Presidential Order, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2024, as a milestone in protecting Nigeria’s telecom assets.
He explained that the Order provides executive backing for law enforcement agencies to proactively address vandalism, theft, and service disruption across telecom networks, ensuring sustained connectivity and service reliability nationwide.
“The Commission, working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has been tasked with ensuring full operationalisation of this mandate in the telecommunications sector,” he said. “To achieve this, we have set up a Telecommunications Industry Working Group to coordinate its implementation and protect Nigeria’s digital backbone.”
Driving the Renewed Hope Digital Agenda
The EVC concluded by reaffirming the NCC’s commitment to advancing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Digital Economy Agenda, emphasizing that secure, affordable, and widespread broadband remains the foundation for inclusive growth, digital innovation, and national competitiveness.
