The second National Broadband Plan (2020-2025), which ends in two days, aimed for a 70 percent broadband reach throughout Nigeria; however, statistics from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveal that the country is currently 19.42 percent short of that goal, with recent penetration at 50.58 percent.
An analysis of NCC data indicated that Nigeria expanded its broadband coverage by only 4.97 percent from January to November, starting the year 2025 with a penetration rate of 45.61 percent and reaching just 50.58 percent by last month according to the latest subscription data.
Given the slow growth trend, it is evident that achieving the 70 percent target is now unlikely, even with the final data for 2025 to be released.
Consequently, Nigeria seems to be gearing up for a new five-year plan, which is anticipated to enhance the current efforts of the Federal Government to improve Internet connectivity nationwide.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, confirmed this.
He stated: “The Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020–2025), which concludes this year, is already prompting discussions with our Ministry about a third version.”
AT THE SAME TIME, focus is quickly shifting to satellite-powered mobile connectivity within the nation.
The NCC, which is advocating for this new approach, is evaluating Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite service, seen as a key technology for increasing coverage between 2025 and 2030.
This initiative forms part of the draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030) released by the Commission.
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The 44-page document emphasizes the role of non-terrestrial networks as an essential supplement to conventional mobile infrastructure, especially in regions where millions remain underserved by terrestrial networks due to geographical, security, and high deployment cost challenges.
Earlier this year, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, revealed that approximately 4,834 communities, primarily located in rural areas, do not have access to basic mobile connectivity.
In April, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) reported that the number of individuals living in unserved and underserved locations decreased from 36.8 million in 2013 to 23 million last year.
Yomi Arowosafe, Secretary of USPF, mentioned that these 23 million unserved or underserved individuals reside in over 3,000 communities, mainly in rural areas, and still lack essential mobile connectivity.
According to the NCC, Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services are emerging worldwide as a feasible option to directly deliver voice and data services to standard mobile devices without needing ground-based towers.
“In Nigeria, D2D connectivity could significantly change the landscape by extending voice and data services to areas without signal, vast rural and riverine regions, and border communities that are currently unreachable by mobile towers,” the Commission stated.
“It would also enhance network reliability, acting as a backup during fiber cuts, power failures, or emergencies that impair terrestrial networks,” it further added.
The NCC pointed out that, besides consumer applications, D2D adoption could improve public safety, disaster response, Internet of Things (IoT) implementations, and smart agriculture in underserved areas.
The document also highlights new investment prospects through collaboration between mobile network operators (MNOs) and satellite companies, particularly through shared spectrum use to boost efficiency in Nigeria’s national spectrum management.
The NCC’s roadmap places a strong emphasis on Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites as a means to help close Nigeria’s broadband gap.
