Nigeria’s Broadband Growth Stalls at 48.81%
Nigeria’s broadband penetration stood at 48.81% in May 2025 , up only slightly from 48.15% in April , according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) .
This means there are now about 105.8 million broadband users nationwide , but progress remains far below the 70% target set by the National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020–2025 ).
With just a few months left before the plan ends, experts say Nigeria is unlikely to meet its goal without urgent policy reforms and state-level cooperation .
“State Policies Are Slowing Us Down” – NCC Warns
Dr. Aminu Maida , Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC , said during a recent telecom forum that many barriers to digital expansion lie within the control of state governments .
He pointed to:
- High Right-of-Way (RoW) fees
- Multiple taxation of telecom companies
- Lack of infrastructure support
“These issues fall under sub-national authorities,” he said.
“Unless states act, we won’t see the connectivity gains we promised.”
Maida urged states to waive or reduce RoW charges , which have made it expensive for operators to expand coverage—especially in rural areas.
“We cannot build a digital economy if our own people block us.”
Progress Has Been Slow Since 2020
When the National Broadband Plan launched in March 2020 , Nigeria had only 39.85% broadband penetration —about 75.4 million users .
By December 2023 , that figure reached 43.71% , and by December 2024 , it was only 44.43% .
Now in May 2025 , the number stands at 48.81% —a very slow pace compared to the aggressive goals of the plan.
The original aim was to hit 50% by 2023 , and 70% by 2025 .
That looks increasingly out of reach.
Why Is Growth Lagging?
Experts cite several reasons:
- High deployment costs due to state-imposed levies
- Lack of uniform policies across states
- Poor coordination between federal and state governments
- Low investment in rural infrastructure
- Limited public awareness on the importance of digital access
Only a few states have taken steps to ease RoW charges, while most continue to impose heavy fees on telecom firms.
“Operators can’t afford to build networks when they’re taxed multiple times,” one telecom insider said.
Call to Action: Share Your Thoughts!
What do you think is holding back Nigeria’s broadband growth? Should the government enforce national standards on RoW charges?
💬 Leave a comment below and join the conversation on Nigeria’s digital future.
📢 Don’t forget to share this article to help others understand how telecom policies affect everyday Nigerians.
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