President Muhammadu Buhari said Nigeria has become one of the first African countries to reach 100% broadband penetration.

This was announced by the President on Tuesday at the Digital Economy Conference tagged ‘Promote a vibrant digital economy, A catalyst for economic growth in Nigeria’, where he was represented by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isah Patami.

He noted that the previous figure of 43% broadband penetration is now obsolete, citing the investments made in the sector.

excellent connection: The president noted that broadband penetration in Nigeria is at 100 per cent as investors have recognized the growth in the space. He said:

  • “One of the richest people in the world announced that Nigeria, out of 54 African countries, has outstanding broadband. As I speak to you today, broadband penetration in Nigeria is 100 percent.”

Progress made so far: Added that FG has delivered on its plan to boost broadband connectivity for all Nigerians, citing progress of 23% coverage in 2019, noting that his administration increased broadband to 77% in 2022 and 100% in 2023, adding:

  • “As of today, broadband can be accessed anywhere in the country, be it urban, rural or desert area. We are the first African country to achieve this and the only one so far.”

high ratings: President Buhari also acknowledged that the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy had scored very highly in an independent evaluation.

  • “70 percent is the distinction and the digital sector has surpassed it. We deliver excellently in the eight priority areas of the sector. For example, in pillar number one, which is broadband penetration, we achieved 134 percent, in pillar number two, which is 4G penetration, we achieved 127 percent.
  • “In addition, we met 99 percent in the third pillar, the fourth pillar, which has to do with national identity, we achieved 94 percent. In the fifth pillar, which is quarterly revenue generation, we went from generating N51 billion in three months to N408 billion in three months.”

What you should know: Nigeria’s broadband targets got a big boost recently as Elon Musk’s StarLink cut the costs of its hardware and subscription plan to N274,098 and N19,260 per month, respectively.

Remember that Nairametrics above reported that star link it had set $600 and $43 as the cost of its hardware and monthly subscription, respectively, which came to around N438,000 and N31,000 at the parallel market rate.

Some Nigerians who pre-ordered the hardware last year paid the initial dollar amount. But the company’s prices are now quoted in naira, meaning Nigerians can make payments with their debit card in naira.