Govt, firm partner to provide internet services

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the WIOCC Group, a leading digital infrastructure provider, to provide internet connectivity to three million Nigerian homes.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, signed on behalf of the government, while Mr Darren Bedford, WIOCC’s Group Chief Business Development Officer, represented the company at the ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The initiative will deploy fibre optic cables to homes, schools, hospitals, and public offices, ensuring reliable internet access across the country.

WIOCC will invest $10m in the project, including plans to train Nigerians and manufacture accessories, such as batteries, locally.

Speaking during the event, Tijani said the project would significantly reduce the cost of internet data, calls, and SMS by providing alternative platforms for connectivity beyond mobile phones.

He explained that multiple sources of internet access would empower Nigerians to manage their spending effectively.

When asked if the partnership would lead to cheaper data cost, the minister said, ‘yes’, adding, “The best way to assure a reduction in the cost of data is that people have connectivity through multiple sources. If the only source you have is your phone, then you are limited. But if you have access to the internet at home, at work, or on your mobile, it means that you have the freedom to determine how much you spend without being stuck with one source.

“If you look at some of the best countries in the world, a lot of people don’t spend as much as we spend here because they have good quality access at the office and at home.”

The minister added that the project aligns with the government’s vision to achieve a $1tn economy through investments in digital infrastructure.

He noted that the initiative would deliver minimum internet speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural communities, bringing Nigeria closer to international connectivity standards.

WIOCC’s Group Chief Business Development Officer, Bedford, described the partnership as a step towards bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.

He said that the company had already connected over 40,000 homes and institutions but faced challenges such as right-of-way restrictions and insecurity in some states.

Bedford said, “I think this project is going to have a big impact due to the fact that most of Nigeria is unconnected at the moment. So, the majority of businesses and people in their homes have to rely on mobile internet.

“They don’t have access to true high-speed broadband. You know, they can’t play in the international digital economy, and I think this is the first step to create this environment and to bring this to the Nigerian people. So, we have a target of three million homes.”

In a press statement released after the press briefing on Wednesday, WIOCC Group described the partnership as a strategic effort to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy.

The partnership also involves reviewing and improving the National Policy on Telecommunications to align with the country’s digital transformation goals.

WIOCC Group plans to establish a hyperscale open-access digital platform to serve internet service providers, expand fibre infrastructure, and enhance broadband quality and accessibility through collaboration with the Nigerian Broadband Alliance.

These efforts will connect more homes and businesses, create jobs, and support the development of local talent.