The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and key telecommunications operators, has adopted a comprehensive framework aimed at bolstering investments in new submarine and terrestrial cable systems across nations.
This initiative was formalized during the inaugural International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit held in Abuja, co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Chair of the Board of Directors of Portugal’s National Communications Authority (ANACOM).
The summit culminated in the “International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience Declaration,” which outlines strategic recommendations to enhance the resilience of critical telecommunication infrastructure.
Key aspects of the declaration include strengthening cable protection through risk mitigation, promoting diverse routes and landings to ensure continuity, and fostering international cooperation on technical development, policy frameworks, and investment models.
Tijani emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to fortifying its digital infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. He highlighted the government’s proactive measures, such as recognizing telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure and implementing policies to expand broadband penetration.
These efforts aim to position Nigeria as a regional leader in digital resilience and connectivity.
The ITU’s involvement underscores the global significance of this initiative. The organization has been actively working to mobilize policy support and financing to provide universal meaningful digital connectivity. Recent assessments indicate that closing the global connectivity gap by 2030 would require approximately USD 1.6 trillion in investments.
The collaborative framework adopted at the summit is a strategic step towards addressing this substantial investment gap.
Telecommunications companies have expressed strong support for the framework, recognizing its potential to enhance service quality and extend coverage to underserved regions. Industry experts anticipate that the initiative will attract significant foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s telecom sector, thereby fostering economic growth and technological advancement.
The collaborative efforts of the Federal Government, ITU, and telecom operators are poised to transform Nigeria’s digitisation, ensuring robust and resilient connectivity for all citizens.