The Federal Government has set up a committee to review the nation’s broadband policy and come up with appropriate recommendations that will help government adopt a new one to promote efficient broadband services nationwide.
The Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, disclosed this at a meeting of the Alliance for Affordable Internet in Abuja on Thursday while responding to an issue raised
by the National Coordinator of the Alliance for Affordable Internet, Mr Ernest Ndukwe, relating to the roles of broadband in national development.
The minister said: “The Federal Government recognises the urgent need to increase access to, usage of Internet, and broadband in Nigeria.
“As part of its over-reaching national development plan, Vision 20: 2020, which outlines the Federal Government’s aim to make Nigeria a top 20 global economy by 2020, ICTs have been given a central role.
“In order to rationalise the work towards achieving Vision 20:2020, the government of Nigeria has developed the new ICT strategic road map 2017 – 2020.
“There are ICT-related strategies in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and the sector road map that require prioritisation by the ministry. Going forward, the ministry will pay adequate attention to them in order to focus on initiatives that will help to heighten the outcomes”, Shittu added.
He reiterated government’s determination to create policies and incentives, and to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure universal access to broadband and thereby contribute to a richer and diversified economy.
In his remarks, Ndukwe, a former NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) pointed out that it was not necessary for government to wait till the existing broadband policy expires before rolling out a new one..
Describing Nigeria as still a very attractive market, the industry expert said thatthe A4AI group was committed to working with the government to address the nation’s broadband challenges.
Currently, the nation’s broadband policy, which will expire by December this year, targets 30 per cent broadband penetration between 2013 and 2018.
