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IHS Nigeria, through its subsidiary Global Independent Connect Limited (GICL), has accomplished the deployment of over 10,000 km of fiber optic cables across Nigeria.
This substantial infrastructure development aims to improve broadband accessibility, enhance communication services, and facilitate the integration of advanced technologies, including 5G services.
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Kazeem Oladepo, GICL’s Vice President, underscored the challenge posed by the limited availability of metropolitan and long-haul fiber optic networks in Nigeria, hindering communication service improvement and the adoption of emerging technologies.
The strategy for deploying fiber optic cables prioritizes open access and shared infrastructure to ensure efficient utilization by multiple operators. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, including customers, and state, and federal agencies, this approach has resulted in a significant volume of fiber optic cable network delivery in less than three years.
Oladepo emphasized their commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s digital economy objectives, highlighting that this milestone demonstrates the potential for accelerated critical infrastructure rollout when key stakeholders align their objectives.
Furthermore, IHS Nigeria has contributed to providing mobile network coverage in over 580 previously unconnected rural communities through its rural telephony program.
The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy recently launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria to address the low-fiber network rollout in the country.
The initiative aims to boost broadband development and adoption, with an initial rollout planned in specific states. Nigeria has set a broadband target of 70% by 2025 and acknowledges the necessity for at least 120,000 km of fiber optic cables to achieve comprehensive coverage. As of 2023, 78,676 km of fiber optic cables have been deployed in the country.
