NCC Calls for Long-Term Financing to Boost Nigeria's Connectivity

At the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum 2026, held in Abuja on September 29-30, stakeholders including regulators, investors, and operators emphasized the need for long-tenor naira financing, reliable power, and faster implementation of the 90,000km Project BRIDGE fibre backbone to address Nigeria's growing connectivity gap. The communiqué, signed by Nnenna Ukoha, Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), indicated that data consumption in Nigeria reached approximately 1.6 million terabytes in July 2026, a 47% increase from the previous year.

Mobile broadband coverage is around 90%, but smartphone ownership is only 27%, with broadband penetration at 57.4%, against a target of 70%. Key constraints identified include device affordability, digital skills, and trust.

Participants stressed that power is crucial for tower companies, advocating for integrated energy and connectivity investments. The communiqué also noted the need for state-level reforms and called on the Federal Government to expedite Project BRIDGE and maintain policy consistency.