Nigeria’s digital economy agenda, launched under Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani, is under intense scrutiny as the country grapples with persistent connectivity issues and delayed infrastructure projects. Three years into his tenure, Tijani’s vision to transform technology into a core economic driver faces a critical test as the October 1 anniversary approaches, marking the third year of his administration. The promise of a digital economy remains tethered to basic needs: reliable phone calls, functioning WhatsApp messages, successful bank transfers, and mobile data that works when needed. These fundamental requirements highlight the stark gap between Nigeria’s digital aspirations and the reality of its telecommunications landscape.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported a surge in broadband subscriptions, reaching 124.42 million by July 2026, up from 104.07 million in July 2025. However, this growth has not alleviated the daily frustrations of unreliable connectivity, underscoring a growing contradiction: digital adoption is outpacing the infrastructure and service quality required to sustain it. Tijani’s flagship infrastructure initiative, Project BRIDGE, aims to bridge this gap by deploying 90,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables through a public-private partnership, with an estimated cost of $2 billion. The project, designed to expand Nigeria’s backbone infrastructure to 120,000 kilometers, seeks to provide foundational connectivity for universal digital access. Yet, the physical rollout has faced delays, raising questions about the government’s ability to translate planning into tangible results.
Tijani acknowledged in May 2026 that Nigeria’s connectivity challenges stem from years of underinvestment, stating that Project BRIDGE had secured World Bank-led funding and that fibre deployment, alongside the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), would begin before the end of 2026. However, subsequent timelines shifted: the project’s implementation was initially slated for October 2026, then accelerated to a three-year completion period by 2028. This revised timeline has intensified scrutiny on the ministry’s capacity to move beyond financing and planning into visible deployment. Recent reports indicate that $800 million of the $2 billion funding requirement has been secured through commitments from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, leaving $1.2 billion to be mobilized from private capital.
Technology policy expert Jide Awe criticized the pace of Project BRIDGE’s impact, noting that while fibre construction has begun in parts of Lagos and private developments, the scale remains insufficient for a national infrastructure initiative. “With that kind of initiative, you want it to be more of a massive rollout that will be countrywide. Even if it is not immediately countrywide, at least the major urban areas should have started feeling the impact,” Awe said. He emphasized that fibre deployment alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s digital inclusion challenges without complementary investments in electricity, affordable devices, data, and local access networks. The ministry’s stated goals—connecting schools, hospitals, and expanding financial inclusion—remain contingent on whether rural and urban communities experience tangible improvements in connectivity.
Telecom tariffs have also become a contentious issue. Operators argued that years of inflation, foreign-exchange losses, and rising operational costs rendered existing tariffs unsustainable. In 2024, ALTON chairman Gbenga Adebayo warned that inadequate pricing hindered infrastructure investment and service quality. By early 2025, the NCC approved a 50% tariff increase, with operators expected to reinvest revenues into network improvements. However, consumers continue to judge the industry by service quality, not just pricing. The NCC introduced a compensation framework in April 2026, requiring operators to compensate subscribers for prolonged poor service, marking a shift from complaints to direct consumer redress. Yet, experts like Awe argue that the quality of telecom services remains a major concern, with connectivity issues affecting critical economic activities such as digital payments and commerce.
Network congestion has emerged as a significant economic problem, particularly in Nigeria’s markets. Awe cited instances in major markets like Balogun Market, where poor connectivity hindered electronic transactions. This highlights the broader challenge: Nigeria’s digital infrastructure must support not just individual convenience but the functioning of its economy. Deolu Ogunbanjo, national president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), noted that data adoption has outpaced infrastructure development. “Everything is now data,” Ogunbanjo said, stressing that Nigerians’ rapid shift to data-driven consumption has not been matched by infrastructure investment. The NCC’s data shows a 19.5% increase in broadband subscriptions, but the network remains vulnerable to congestion, fibre cuts, and backhaul limitations. Ogunbanjo advocates for more infrastructure providers and competition, arguing that smaller players could address specific community needs rather than relying on national-scale operators.
Infrastructure security remains a critical unresolved issue. Awe questioned the consequences for those responsible for damaging telecom assets, noting that fibre and other infrastructure remain vulnerable to vandalism and theft. He emphasized that a national fibre programme requires not just funding but a robust security framework to protect deployed assets. This challenge is compounded by the need for reliable electricity and maintenance, which are essential for sustaining connectivity. The government’s ability to address these vulnerabilities will determine the long-term success of Project BRIDGE and other infrastructure initiatives.
Tijani’s agenda extends beyond telecommunications, with the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme aiming to train Nigerians in emerging technologies. A partnership with Hello.cv in May 2026 provided 20,000 fellows with global recruitment tools, valued at over $10 million. However, concerns about data sovereignty and economic value retention have emerged. Stakeholders like Jude Ozinegbe and Ugonma Egwuatu urged the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to scrutinize the arrangement, citing risks related to foreign domains and data handling. Critics, including DNS Africa’s Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo and the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria’s Muhammed Rudman, questioned why Nigerian talent was not tied to the .ng domain, raising broader questions about data governance and the ministry’s “Nigeria First” approach.
Policy development has outpaced implementation, with Tijani’s initiatives facing the same domestic test as international recognition. The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the proposed National AI Trust aim to guide responsible AI adoption, while Tijani’s role as chair of the International Telecommunication Union Council underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in global tech policy. However, experts argue that policies must translate into measurable outcomes. Awe emphasized that effective policy should stimulate economic growth, not just provide direction. The challenge for Tijani is to ensure that his ambitious agenda delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians, rather than remaining confined to announcements and partnerships.
As the October 1 anniversary approaches, the administration’s ability to translate promises into infrastructure, measurable outcomes, and improved connectivity will define Tijani’s legacy. The 90,000km fibre rollout offers a critical test: if deployed as scheduled, it could mark a turning point. However, the real question remains how quickly these networks reach communities and whether ordinary Nigerians will notice meaningful improvements. The success of Tijani’s digital agenda will ultimately be judged by its impact on daily life, not just the number of policies or partnerships announced.
The challenges facing Nigeria’s digital economy extend beyond infrastructure. Issues like data governance, security, and equitable access require sustained attention. As the country navigates these complexities, the balance between ambition and implementation will determine whether its digital aspirations become a reality for all citizens.
The ongoing debates over telecom tariffs, network congestion, and infrastructure security highlight the interconnected nature of Nigeria’s digital challenges. Addressing these issues requires not only financial investment but also a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of everyday users.
With the October 1 deadline looming, the pressure on Tijani’s ministry to deliver on its promises is at its peak. The success of Project BRIDGE and other initiatives will depend on the government’s ability to overcome delays, secure private investment, and ensure that infrastructure reaches the communities that need it most.
The digital economy’s potential to drive growth and innovation in Nigeria remains untapped without reliable connectivity and equitable access. As the administration moves forward, the focus must shift from ambitious goals to actionable solutions that address the root causes of Nigeria’s digital divide.
The coming months will be pivotal for Nigeria’s digital future. Whether the government can translate its vision into tangible progress will determine whether the country’s digital economy becomes a source of opportunity or a persistent challenge for its citizens.
The lessons from Tijani’s tenure underscore the importance of aligning policy with implementation. For Nigeria’s digital agenda to succeed, it must prioritize the needs of users, ensure transparency in infrastructure projects, and foster an environment where innovation and investment can thrive.
As the nation watches the progress of Project BRIDGE and other initiatives, the ultimate measure of success will be the impact on everyday life. Reliable connectivity, affordable services, and equitable access are not just technical challenges—they are essential for Nigeria’s economic and social development.
The path forward requires a coordinated effort between the government, private sector, and civil society. By addressing the gaps in infrastructure, security, and policy, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its digital economy and ensure that its citizens benefit from the opportunities it offers.