By Chinenye Anuforo
Ngozi, a young entrepreneur in Lagos, tapped her foot impatiently. Her online store was supposed to go live that day, but her internet connection kept cutting out. This wasn’t uncommon lately.
Ever since the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, took office, internet access seemed to be on the fritz. Ngozi remembered the minister’s ambitious goal: 70% of Nigerians with internet by 2025. It sounded promising, but as Ngozi stared at her glitchy screen, doubt crept in.
Just a year ago, Nigerians were celebrating a boom in internet access. The country, with a population of over 218 million, had seen internet penetration rates steadily climb to 45.57%. This fuelled innovation, empowered businesses and opened doors to education and information.
However, since Tijani’s appointment, the tides have turned. The latest statistics reveal a concerning drop in internet access to 43.53%. This decline has cast a shadow over the minister’s bold target, leaving many questioning its feasibility.
Experts point to a confluence of factors contributing to internet slowdown. Cost concerns: Internet access has become a luxury, with prices quadrupling according to Research ICT Africa. This leaves a large portion of the population disconnected.
Oluseyi Akindeinde, the founder of NeuRaL AI, said: “The rising cost of internet access is a major barrier for many Nigerians. It’s simply unaffordable for a significant portion of the population.”
Smartphones and data plans remain expensive, particularly for low-income Nigerians. A basic smartphone can cost anything between N30,000 and N100,000, a significant barrier for a large portion of the population.
Data plans, too, are seen as costly, with prices varying depending on data volume and network provider.
“Data affordability is a critical roadblock. Without addressing this, any target for increased penetration will remain just that – a target,” said Dr. Aishah Jamilah, a technology expert.
Infrastructure challenges are another issue. “Expanding internet infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is lagging behind. While major cities boast decent coverage, vast swathes of the country remain unconnected.
“This digital divide excludes millions from the online world. The National Broadband Alliance has been working to address these issues, but progress has been slow,” Akindeinde pointed out.
Also, Akinyemi Olabode, a telecommunications analyst, said: “The focus has been on urban centers. Rural areas are neglected, creating a situation where a significant portion of the population is left out of the digital revolution.”
Another is the SIM card hiccup. A recent government policy requiring stricter SIM card registration, while intended to improve security, led to a temporary dip in subscriptions. The process, perceived as cumbersome by some, discouraged new registrations. However, experts believe this is a short-term hurdle.
There is also the economic factor. The overall economic situation in Nigeria, including inflation and unemployment, has affected people’s ability to afford internet services. This economic strain has led to a reduction in the number of active internet users.
The minister’s 70% target by 2025 has become a hot topic. Opinions are divided on its attainability. “It’s ambitious, but achievable. With significant investment in infrastructure development, subsidy programmes for low-cost smartphones and data plans and collaborations with private companies, we can bridge the gap,” said Femi Akinsanya, a renowned information technology expert.
On his part, the chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications companies of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, said stakeholders have to work together to achieve the set target: “It is doable, if those in the industry work together as one important eco-system.”
The founder of NeuRaL AI also stated that the goal of achieving 70% internet penetration by 2025 is ambitious but faces several challenges: “Given the current decline in internet access, reversing this trend and achieving a 70% penetration rate will require significant efforts and investments. The Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 aims to deliver data download speeds of 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage for at least 90% of the population by 2025.”
However, some remain skeptical.
“The current downward trend is worrying,” said Jide Sodipo, an independent technology consultant. “Unless there’s a drastic shift in policy and a multi-pronged approach, achieving 70% by 2025 seems highly unlikely.”
The decline in internet access isn’t just an annoyance for entrepreneurs like Ngozi. It has far-reaching consequences for Nigerians across various sectors, including limited education and job opportunities.
Online learning platforms have become crucial tools for education, especially for those in remote areas. With limited internet access, access to knowledge and skilling opportunities get hampered. Remote work possibilities, a growing trend in the global job market, also become less accessible.
“This decline disproportionately affects the most vulnerable,” said another source, who didn’t want to be named. “Students in rural areas lose out on valuable online learning resources, and the potential for remote work, a lifeline for many shrinks.”
Businesses like Ngozi’s online store face difficulties reaching customers and operating effectively. Limited online presence puts them at a disadvantage compared to competitors with a strong digital footprint.
Akindeinde explained: “Many small businesses rely on the internet for marketing, sales, and customer service. This decline creates a drag on their growth and competitiveness.”
Despite the challenges, there are flickers of hope. Stakeholders believe that Nigeria’s journey towards achieving its ambitious internet penetration target will require a collective effort. Addressing affordability concerns, expanding infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships are crucial steps.
Local initiatives are emerging, particularly in underserved areas, to bridge the digital divide. These initiatives involve training programmes on digital literacy and exploring alternative internet access solutions like community Wi-Fi hotspots.
While challenges abound, the potential benefits of a truly connected Nigeria are undeniable. Increased access to information, education and economic opportunities can empower millions and propel the nation towards a brighter digital future.