Nigeria’s Broadband Target Slips Again

Nigeria will miss its national broadband coverage target set for 2025, according to the latest industry data. As a result, attention is already shifting to a new five-year broadband roadmap.

Official figures show that broadband penetration remains well below expectations. The setback now places pressure on regulators to rethink strategy and delivery.

At the centre of the discussion is the Nigeria broadband plan, which was designed to reach 70 per cent coverage by the end of 2025. With the deadline days away, that goal is no longer realistic.

Targets Missed, New Plan in Sight

Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission shows broadband penetration at 50.58 per cent. This leaves a gap of nearly 20 percentage points.

The pace of growth has also slowed. Between January and November, penetration increased by just under five per cent. That trajectory makes the original target unattainable.

Speaking earlier on the issue, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, confirmed discussions around a fresh plan. “The Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020–2025) expires this year. We have already begun engaging our Ministry on a third iteration,” he said.

The proposed roadmap will likely run from 2025 to 2030. It is expected to focus on deeper rural coverage and new delivery technologies.

This marks a critical moment for the Nigeria broadband plan, especially as demand for reliable internet continues to grow.

Satellites Enter the Conversation

Beyond fibre and mobile towers, regulators are exploring satellite-powered connectivity. The NCC has identified Direct-to-Device satellite services as a key option.

This approach allows mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without ground towers. It is already gaining attention globally.

According to the NCC’s draft Spectrum Roadmap, satellite services could help close coverage gaps in remote areas. These include riverine regions, border towns and insecure zones.

Earlier this year, Communications Minister Bosun Tijani revealed that thousands of communities still lack basic mobile access. Many are rural and hard to reach.

The Universal Service Provision Fund also confirmed that over 23 million Nigerians remain underserved. These figures underline why the Nigeria broadband plan needs urgent revision.

In its roadmap, the Commission noted that satellite connectivity could improve emergency response and network resilience. It could also support agriculture and smart technologies in remote areas.

Confidence, Investment and the Road Ahead

The NCC believes collaboration between mobile operators and satellite firms could unlock new investment. Shared spectrum use is one area under review.

However, analysts warn that targets alone are not enough. Delivery speed, policy clarity and infrastructure funding remain key concerns.

As Nigeria prepares for another broadband cycle, expectations are high. The success of the next Nigeria broadband plan may determine how quickly millions come online.

For more details, see the NCC’s broadband data on its official website at ncc.gov.ng. Further context is available from the Ministry of Communications at communications.gov.ng. Related coverage can also be found in our technology policy section.

Whether the next plan delivers more than promises remains to be seen. What is clear is that the broadband gap is no longer a future problem. It is a present one.