Nigeria moves to link electricity and internet access in new digital inclusion push

Nigeria is taking steps to link electricity access and internet connectivity as part of a broader strategy to close the country’s digital divide, following a high-level convening in Abuja focused on integrated digital infrastructure development.

The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy in collaboration with the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa, brought together public and private sector stakeholders to align investments in electricity, connectivity, affordable devices, and digital skills.

Titled “Flagship Nigeria: Electrification + Connectivity Site Visit & Convening,” the meeting was designed to explore how coordinated infrastructure development can expand access to digital services, particularly in underserved communities. Organisers said the initiative aims to support sectors such as agriculture and health while creating pathways for wider participation in the digital economy.

Speaking at the opening session, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said digital inclusion requires more than expanding broadband coverage.

“Digital inclusion is not just about connectivity; it is about ensuring that Nigerians have the power, devices, skills, and support needed to meaningfully participate in the digital economy,” Dr Tijani said. He added that government initiatives, including Flagship Nigeria and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, are designed to integrate electricity supply, affordable connectivity, and skills development.

According to the ministry, the integrated approach reflects growing recognition that internet access alone is insufficient in communities where electricity is unreliable, and devices remain unaffordable. In many rural and peri-urban areas, limited power supply continues to restrict the use of digital tools for education, commerce, and public services.

PDAA Chief Executive Officer Ibrahima Guimba-Saidou said the partnership is focused on translating policy commitments into practical systems that can be implemented at scale.

Guimba-Saidou noted that the collaboration aims to blend public and private capital and prioritise last-mile communities. He said partners are working toward agreeing on a pilot programme that can move into implementation, rather than remaining at the level of consultations and policy statements.

The convening brought together senior government officials, development finance institutions, private sector companies, and philanthropic organisations. Participants discussed ways to coordinate funding, infrastructure rollout, and skills programmes to ensure that investments in one area are not undermined by gaps in another.

Organisers said the outcomes of the meeting will guide the next phase of Nigeria’s digital inclusion efforts, including the expansion of affordable services and stronger public-private partnerships. They also indicated that lessons from the site visits and stakeholder sessions would be used to refine implementation strategies.

However, the press release did not provide detailed timelines, budget allocations, or specific locations for the proposed pilot projects. It also did not outline how progress will be monitored or how communities will be selected for early interventions.

Nigeria has, in recent years, launched multiple initiatives aimed at expanding broadband penetration and improving skills. While coverage has improved in major cities, gaps remain in rural areas where infrastructure costs are high and private investment is limited. The integrated electrification and connectivity model is intended to address these structural challenges by reducing fragmentation in infrastructure planning.

According to the organisers, strengthening coordination between power providers, telecom operators, device manufacturers, and training institutions will be critical to achieving long-term impact. Without such alignment, they noted, communities risk receiving connectivity without power, or training without access to functional tools.

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