Federal Government Compromises on Promise of Nationwide Internet Connectivity, Selects Higher Institutions, Airports, and Markets for Broadband Connection

Internet connectivity is indeed crucial for national development, as it is a key enabler for economic growth, education, healthcare, and other aspects of modern life. The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, had promised to provide internet connectivity to various sectors, including education, primary healthcare, markets, and business clusters.

Promise: Next level promise to prioritise access to Internet to education, primary health care, markets, business clusters

On April 7th, 2023, the federal government announced a plan to spend N46.1 billion for the provision of broadband connectivity in selected higher institutions of learning, airports, and markets across the country. According to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, 49 higher institutions of learning, 20 airports, and six markets would benefit from the initiative under the second and third phases of the project.

However, despite the approval of the project and award letters sent to the beneficiaries, there are doubts about whether the project will be implemented before President Buhari leaves office on May 29th. This uncertainty raises concerns about the government's commitment to fulfilling its promises on internet connectivity, and as a result, the promise is rated as "Compromise."

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