Only 4.3% Nigerians have internet access

By BISI OLALEYE
Nigeria may need to speed up its national broadband implementation as only 4.3 per cent of Nigerians have internet access at home out of the six per cent who are connected to broadband.
This disclosure was made by Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, on Friday in Lagos at the Nigerian Telecoms Development Lecture (NITDEL) organised by Logica Group, owners of Telecom News.
Broadband is a faster internet connection that allows for quicker download of video, pictures and SMS.
Ogunsanya explained that Airtel Nigeria has thrown its full weight behind the immediate implementation of the recently approved National Broadband Plan, saying: “Speedy execution of the strategy document can contribute about N190 billionn to the country’s GDP in 2015.”
Ogunsanya said Airtel is committed to partnering with the Federal Government to deliver excellent broadband services and also develop the Nigerian economy.
He described the issuance of the NBP as a right step in the right direction and assured Nigerians that the telco is deeply committed to partnering with the government to implement the plan and facilitate broadband realization for Nigeria, in support of the transformation agenda of the government.
Beyond policy direction, the Chief Executive, also called on the government to focus on driving broadband adoption and utilization, noting that government’s patronage of readily available local applications and solutions will be a great boost just as partnerships with telecoms operators, ICT players and development partners will also help drive utilization.
He said: “As it concerns broadband adoption and utilization, there should be government’s affirmative action targeting the delivery of social and public services over Broadband.
“The zeal applied by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Federal Government in E-Payment and Cashless Policy initiatives should also be replicated in driving adoption and utilization by the populace.”
Ogunsanya also noted that the implementation requires long-term commitment and significant action by Federal, States and Local Governments, as well as the Executive and Legislative arms of government, alongside strong private sector participation.
The Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, tasked all operators to organize themselves in an orderly manner as this will surmount the challenges being experienced by them.