FG Enjoined to Deploy Broadband for Economic Recovery

Technology experts have called on the federal government to expedite the deployment of broadband capacities across the country, to enhance quick recovery of the nation’s economy, and to position it for global competitiveness.

According to the experts, for the ailing Nigeria’s economy to recover quickly and compete favourably with global economies, efficient deployment of broadband internet connectivity across Nigeria must be accorded priority, as only effective rollout of broadband would drive businesses and enable Nigerians to deliver the best of service at all times.

The Coordinator, Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum (NIICF) and Africa Digital Awards (ADA), Mr. Tayo Adewusi, who is one of those calling for fast broadband deployment for Nigeria, made the call in Lagos, while fielding questions from journalists.

He said it was imperative for the federal government, regulators, and industry stakeholders to discuss and map out creative ways to push internet broadband deeper in order to resuscitate the ailing economy.

He said that if Nigeria’s economy would leapfrog the status of being classified as a developing economy, and catch up with the rest of the world, government must consider the implementation of effective and efficient broadband rollout across the country.

“Broadband is an essential tool for empowering people. Government should create an environment that nurtures the technological and service innovation and trigger positive change in business processes. This service can be deployed to aid the ailing economy,” Adewusi said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Phase3 Telecoms, Mr. Stanley Jegede, also stressed the need for government to expedite action on its desire to grow broadband penetration from its present 10 per cent penetration level to 30 per cent penetration level by 2018, as promised in its National Broadband Plan (2013-2018). He explained that attaining 30 per cent broadband penetration would do the country a lot of good, since broadband is the key enabler of economic recovery and transformation of any nation