Telecom Operators Call for New Framework as National Broadband Plan 2020–2025 Misses Targets 

Nigeria’s broadband conversation has taken a new turn. Just months after the last plan ended, pressure is already building for a replacement.

Telecom operators say the country needs a fresh and more practical broadband policy. They argue that the previous framework did not deliver on key expectations.

The National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020–2025 aimed to expand internet access. However, results fell short. Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission shows broadband penetration reached 51.97%. That is well below the 70% target.

As a result, millions of Nigerians still lack access to fast internet. Industry players now say the next phase must focus on execution, not just planning.

Why Nigeria’s broadband plan struggled to deliver

The debate around the Nigerian broadband plan centres on execution gaps. Stakeholders say the problem is not policy ideas. It is how those ideas are carried out.

President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Tony Emoekpere, said direction alone is not enough.

“These plans are important as they set direction, align stakeholders, and attract investment. Every serious digital economy operates with a clear broadband strategy, and ours is no exception. As with all policies, our challenge has been execution,” he said.

He added that the next Nigerian broadband plan must prioritise infrastructure rollout. He stressed better coordination and stronger private sector involvement.

Similarly, telecom consultant Adewale Adeoye said many targets failed because actions were not implemented.

“The industry needs a new plan, but more importantly, an executable one. A lot of actions highlighted in the NNBP 2020-2025 were not executed, and that explains why many of the targets set could not be met,” he said.

These concerns reflect deeper issues. Operators still face high costs, weak infrastructure planning, and poor alignment across government levels.

A new broadband policy may already be coming

Even so, regulators say work on a new Nigeria broadband plan has started. The Nigerian Communications Commission is reviewing the old framework.

Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, confirmed that lessons are being assessed.

“We are carrying out a review of what happened and how it will improve on what NNBP achieved. So all those inputs from those assessments will be part of what the current review will take into consideration. So NNBP has not ended, we are coming up with a new plan,” he said.

This suggests the next plan will build on past mistakes. However, operators say more is needed than a revised document.

They point to ongoing challenges such as right-of-way delays, multiple taxation, and high deployment costs. In many cases, state-level charges still slow fibre expansion.

Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, noted that hidden levies remain a concern. These costs discourage investment despite official waivers.

At the same time, some progress is visible. Projects like Project BRIDGE and the planned rollout of 7,000 telecom towers show renewed effort. These initiatives aim to expand coverage, especially in rural areas.

Yet, operators insist isolated projects are not enough. They want a unified framework that connects fibre, towers, funding, and policy into one clear strategy.

Until then, the Nigerian broadband plan debate will continue. The next policy may set direction again. However, its real test will be simple—whether it finally delivers.