Nigeria’s government launches National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN)

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation with the launch of the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), an initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and accelerating broadband connectivity across the country. This landmark event brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, underscoring the importance of digital access in driving sustainable economic growth and development.

At the launch, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, was ably represented by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida. In his keynote address, Dr. Maida highlighted the crucial role that broadband penetration plays in Nigeria's digital economy agenda, emphasizing that improved connectivity would pave the way for greater technological advancements, financial inclusion, and national competitiveness.

Adding to the discourse, the National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, delivered a goodwill message, commending the Federal Government for spearheading this initiative. He stressed the importance of ensuring adequate and affordable broadband infrastructure to harness the full potential of digitalisation for sustainable development. According to Dr. Olatunji, broadband access is a fundamental enabler of a thriving digital economy, and its expansion would open new opportunities for innovation, education, and commerce.

Dr. Olatunji further urged all stakeholders present—including representatives from the Federal Government, State Governments, private sector leaders, civil society groups, and the media—to recognize NBAN as a strategic move by the government to bridge Nigeria's digital divide. He called for collaborative efforts to ensure the success of the initiative, noting that its impact would extend beyond urban centers to rural communities that have long been underserved.

Another critical issue raised by Dr. Olatunji was the role of digital identity in the broader digitalisation agenda. He emphasized that foreign investors consider broadband penetration as a key determinant in their investment decisions and that having a robust digital identity framework would further enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a tech-driven investment destination. He reiterated the significance of safeguarding Nigerians' personal data through the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, which serves as a critical legal framework for ensuring data privacy and security in the digital economy.

The launch of NBAN was graced by other distinguished personalities, including the CEOs of Galaxy Backbone, NIPOST, and NIGCOMSAT, as well as heads of various agencies from both Federal and State Governments. Their presence signified a unified commitment to achieving nationwide broadband penetration and leveraging digital infrastructure to drive economic prosperity.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye