The Nigerian government will spend a total of N46.1 billion to provide broadband connections in selected higher education institutions, airports, and markets across the country.
Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja during the presentation of award letters to representatives of the beneficiary schools and airports.
Pantami stated that in November 2022, the first phase of broadband providers awarded letters to 18 universities, one College of Education, and 20 markets for Small and Medium Enterprises.
Last week, the Federal Government approved N24.20 billion for the provision of broadband internet connectivity in at least 20 airports, 43 schools, and six marketplaces across the country.
After the Federal Executive Council meeting, Pantami told State House Correspondents that the selected local and international airports were drawn from the six geopolitical zones, with three airports from each on average.
He also said that the higher institutions of learning and markets that will benefit from the five-month project are also drawn from the geopolitical zones.
The Minister mentioned that the broadband infrastructure would ensure connectivity in airports, facilitate e-learning in schools, and facilitate mobile transactions in markets as the economy transitions to a cashless economy.
He also stated that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would be in charge of implementation.
