Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, revealed that while the Fifth-Generation (5G) network exists in certain locations across Nigeria, its nationwide coverage is constrained by infrastructure limitations.
During his appearance on Tuesday’s Politics Today program on Channels Television, Tijani acknowledged the presence of 5G in select areas but emphasized the uneven distribution of infrastructure supporting this technology throughout the country. He noted that accessing 5G services in areas lacking suitable infrastructure could result in compromised service quality.
In terms of expanding the telecommunications infrastructure, Tijani outlined ambitious plans to lay fibre optics cables across Nigeria, disclosing that the ministry has currently covered approximately 35 to 40 kilometers. He elaborated that the objective is to extend this coverage to 95,000 kilometers, estimating a budget of approximately $1.5 billion to $2 billion to accomplish the nationwide wiring project.
Expressing his aspirations for the ministry’s tenure, Tijani outlined a four-year plan to wire Nigeria comprehensively under his leadership. The primary aim is to establish connectivity in critical sectors such as schools, hospitals, government offices, and other essential facilities through the deployment of fibre cables.
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The Minister underscored the potential transformation in the delivery of public services upon the completion of this extensive infrastructure development, envisioning a significant enhancement in service delivery across these sectors.
Tijani’s insights shed light on the ongoing strides and future goals within Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, emphasizing the pivotal role of improved infrastructure in the country’s digital evolution.
