NATIONAL BROADBAND PlLAN 2.0 (Project BRIDGE)

What Is This Policy?

It is a five-year strategic plan designed to expand broadband penetration, improve internet access, and drive Nigeria’s digital economy by 2025.

Who Does It Target?

It primarily targets citizens, businesses, schools, government institutions, telecom operators, and development partners.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

The NBP 2.0 (Project BRIDGE) aims to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide by ensuring affordable, high-speed internet access nationwide, boosting economic growth, supporting education, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive digital economy by 2025.

Key Features

Broadband Penetration Targets Achieve 70% broadband penetration by 2025. Ensure 90% population coverage with high-speed internet. Bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas. Infrastructure Expansion Rollout of fiber-optic backbone networks nationwide. Deployment of last-mile connectivity to underserved and rural communities.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: implementation phase Coverage: applies nationwide Beneficiaries to Date: citizens/non-citizens, rural communities Funding: federal government allocation, Public-Private Partnership

Important Terms

Term 1-Broadband Penetration The percentage of the population with access to high-speed internet. The plan sets a target of 70% penetration by 2025. This is the core metric for measuring success, as it reflects how widely internet access is available across Nigeria. Term 2- Fiber-Optic Backbone The main high-capacity network infrastructure that carries internet traffic across the country. Expanding fiber-optic networks is essential to deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity, It forms the foundation for last-mile connections to homes, schools, and businesses. Term 3- Last-Mile Connectivity The final leg of the network that delivers internet directly to end-users (households, schools, businesses, rural communities). Ensures that broadband reaches underserved and rural areas, not just major cities, it is critical for bridging the digital divide and achieving inclusive access.

Official Resources

Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy Oversees national broadband policy and digital economy strategy. Website: www.commtech.gov.ng Contact: [email protected] Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Main regulator of telecoms and broadband rollout. Website: www.ncc.gov.ng Contact: [email protected] Phone: +234-9-461-7000 National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Implements digital economy programs and supports broadband expansion. Website: www.nitda.gov.ng Email: [email protected] Phone: +234 816 840 1851

Legal Framework

The National Broadband Plan 2.0 (Project BRIDGE) operates under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the National Information Technology Development Agency Act 2007, and the NCC Licensing Regulations. It aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020, Nigeria's Nationally Determined Contributions (on digital infrastructure for climate resilience), and the ITU Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development targets. The Universal Service Provision Fund Act provides financing context.