Nigeria’s broadband penetration increased marginally to 48.81% in May 2025, up from 48.15% in April, according to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Despite this progress, the country remains significantly short of its 70% broadband penetration target set in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020–2025, which is now just a few months from expiration.
Broadband Connections in Nigeria: The Current Status
As of May 2025, Nigeria recorded 105.8 million broadband connections. This figure highlights steady growth but also underscores the slow pace in meeting the government’s ambitious goals for nationwide broadband coverage.
Experts suggest that, barring major interventions, Nigeria is unlikely to hit the 70% broadband penetration target before the NBP deadline ends later this year.
Why Broadband Penetration Growth Is Slowing
The slow progress toward Nigeria’s broadband targets is primarily attributed to:
- High right-of-way (RoW) charges by state governments
- Multiple taxation and levies affecting telecom operators
- Regulatory inconsistencies across states
While seven states have waived right-of-way fees, the majority still impose high costs, making it difficult for operators to deploy broadband infrastructure such as fibre optic cables and towers.
NCC’s Position: State Governments Are Key to Progress
At a recent telecom forum, NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida emphasised that most of the challenges facing broadband deployment fall under state-level jurisdiction.
According to Maida, “Major obstacles to telecom infrastructure development have been issues within the purview of sub-national governments, including right-of-way issues, multiple taxation, and infrastructure resilience.”
He stressed that broadband connectivity is a catalyst for Nigeria’s digital economy, helping to:
- Create job opportunities
- Foster entrepreneurship
- Bridge the digital divide
Maida called for state governments to review and align their policies with federal goals to unlock the full benefits of broadband expansion.
The Economic Impact of Broadband Growth
Broadband is not just a telecom issue—it is seen as essential for:
- Driving Nigeria’s economic growth
- Enabling digital tools for all citizens
- Positioning Nigeria competitively in the global digital economy
According to industry experts, aligning state and federal policies will be crucial for ensuring investor confidence and accelerating network expansion across Nigeria.
What’s Next for Nigeria’s Broadband Plan?
With just five months left in the National Broadband Plan timeline, achieving 70% penetration looks unlikely without urgent policy reforms. However, stakeholders remain hopeful that collaborative efforts between the federal government, NCC, and state governments can help close the gap as quickly as possible.
