MTN advocates high-speed internet for 4th industrial revolution

The Chairman of MTN Nigeria Plc, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, has called for urgent action to address the country’s high-speed internet gap in order to fully engage in the fourth industrial revolution.

Speaking at the 22nd Annual Lecture and International Leadership Symposium in Lagos, Ndukwe noted that while Nigeria had made significant progress in internet penetration, high-speed connectivity remained inadequate, limiting automation and other digital advancements.

“Nigeria has made great strides in mobile internet penetration, but high-speed internet is still lacking,” he said in a statement on Monday.

“To fully integrate into the global digital economy, we must expand optic fibre networks and achieve at least 70-90 per cent high-speed internet coverage.”

The symposium, themed “Creating a Competitive Edge in the 4th Industrial Revolution for Telecommunications Infrastructure in Nigeria,” underscored the role of telecommunications in driving economic transformation.

Ndukwe highlighted that while mobile technology has enabled internet access across Nigeria, reliable high-speed internet is crucial for the next stage of industrial growth.

“It’s not just about basic internet,” he explained. “Basic internet is good, but that’s why we talk about optic fibre—about infrastructure that can carry high-speed internet. Without it, automation and many other digital advancements cannot happen.”

Beyond infrastructure, Ndukwe stressed the need for digital skills training to prepare Nigerians for the evolving global economy.

“I spoke about digital training. Our people need to be educated in digital literacy,” he said. “In the past, illiteracy was defined by the inability to read or write. Today, digital illiteracy is just as critical. If you don’t understand digital tools, you’re excluded from the modern economy.”

He called for greater focus on training in coding and software development to ensure Nigeria contributes to, rather than just consumes, global technological advancements.

“We need to teach coding and software development so we can add value to the international community rather than just taking from it,” he said.

Ndukwe also commended the founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership, Professor Pat Utomi, for leading discussions on Nigeria’s future in the digital economy.

Chief Operating Officer of Oil Field Services at Geoplex, Akin Fadare, echoed Ndukwe’s concerns, stressing the need for strategic investments in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

He noted that while the sector significantly contributes to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, broadband penetration remains at just 42 per cent, presenting both challenges and opportunities for investors.

“With broadband penetration at 42 per cent, there is a substantial opportunity for investors,” Fadare said. “However, without an enabling environment, they may hesitate to commit.”