The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has renewed its call for accelerated deployment of Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) infrastructure, saying expanded fixed broadband connectivity will be critical to achieving Nigeria’s digital transformation goals and supporting the country’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy. The regulator disclosed that Nigeria currently has about 265,000 active FTTH subscriptions, underscoring the need for greater investment in high-speed broadband networks.
Speaking at the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) High-Level Industry Forum on FTTH in Lagos, NCC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, said demand for reliable, high-capacity internet continues to rise as businesses and consumers increasingly rely on technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital entertainment and other data-intensive services.
According to Brandspur Banking News Desk, the Commission believes Nigeria’s fibre broadband market remains significantly underdeveloped compared with more advanced markets, presenting substantial opportunities for infrastructure expansion, increased investment and improved digital access across the country.
The NCC noted that Nigeria’s FTTH penetration remains below the African average, stressing that the current level of adoption should serve as an incentive for stakeholders to accelerate broadband rollout rather than a setback. The Commission said expanding fibre infrastructure would improve productivity, strengthen business competitiveness, attract investment and support the delivery of digital services nationwide.
To encourage greater private sector participation, the regulator revealed that it is conducting a Wholesale Fixed Broadband Market Assessment to evaluate competition within the wholesale broadband segment and identify policies that will promote infrastructure investment, encourage network sharing, strengthen open access frameworks and improve affordability for consumers.
The Commission also reiterated its appeal to state governments to eliminate barriers slowing fibre deployment, identifying Right of Way approvals, multiple permit requirements and high deployment charges as key obstacles. It disclosed that 13 states have fully waived Right of Way fees, while 16 others have adopted the National Economic Council’s recommended charge of ₦145 per linear metre, adding that engagement with the remaining states is ongoing.
To improve transparency and ease investment decisions, the NCC has introduced an Ease of Doing Business Portal providing state-by-state information on Right of Way charges, approval procedures and regulatory requirements. The regulator further urged governments, property developers and urban planners to integrate telecommunications infrastructure into new residential and commercial projects from the planning stage, noting that early fibre deployment reduces costs and speeds up broadband availability.
The Commission also stressed the importance of enforcing technical and safety standards across fibre projects to minimise service disruptions and ensure long-term network reliability. Industry stakeholders at the forum agreed that wider FTTH deployment will play a vital role in improving broadband penetration, supporting emerging digital technologies and strengthening Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading digital economies.
