No fewer than 22 institutions, comprising 18 universities, and six polytechnics, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) have benefited from a Federal Government’s broadband infrastructure project designed to accelerate the country’s digital economy efforts.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, made this known while speaking at the unveiling of the projects being driven by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja

Pantami said the project underscores the importance of broadband connectivity and access as central to the accomplishment of the targets of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030 for a digital Nigeria, adding that it was in line with the mandates of President Muhammadu Buhari on job creation and economic diversification.

According to a statement made available to The Star on Saturday by the NCC spokesperson, Reuben Muoka, the minister stated that the key infrastructure being provided for the project comprised broadband infrastructure for tertiary institutions of learning, broadband infrastructure for MSME, distribution of 6,000 e-pad tablets, and the provision of broadband connectivity to 20 markets as a pilot.

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He said the interest in supporting the MSMEs was justified by the current contribution of more than half of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, which he said has constituted 96.7 per cent of entire businesses in the country.

“Any effort to develop our economy without bringing such important sector into the equation will amount to efforts in futility,” Pantami said.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Board of the NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande, said the project will fast-track and enhance the ongoing efforts of the commission to deepen connectivity towards achieving the targeted broadband penetration of 70 per cent by 2025.

Akande assured of the commitment of the NCC in completing the projects, saying it will add the necessary fillip to achieving the major objectives spelt out in the NDEPS, 2020-2030.

On his part, the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, highlighted the commission’s drive towards deepening broadband penetration in the country and the promotion of digital skills acquisition to improve service delivery in other sectors of the economy, including education, commerce, healthcare, agriculture, finance, transportation, and governance, among others.

The Star