The Nigeria government has signed a new agreement with the United Kingdom government to develop a broadband development plan. This is in a bid to increase broadband speed and penetration in the country.
The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and the UK Government’s Prosperity fund’s Digital Access Programme signed the agreement.
The initial broadband agreement was signed in December 2017 between the two governments. This agreement spans for just one year and expires in December 2018.
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Since its expiration in 2018, the Nigeria government has been reluctant to renew the agreement until it did a few days ago.
The new agreement empowers the UK government to develop a Six-year Broadband plan that will scale internet penetration in Nigeria. It also seeks to raise broadband penetration levels to about 66% within the next six-years.
The Head of the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme in Nigeria, Mr. Idongesit Udoh noted that the broadband project will focus on fostering technical expertise in the country. This will be made possible through a symposium where stakeholders can discuss the modern way to pilot broadband technology.
The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Harriet Thompson noted that the project is in tandem with UK’s prosperity fund objective. The agreement will, therefore, make the UK government promote safe, affordable and secure internet access in the country. It will also socio-economic development and inclusivity in underserved communities in Nigeria.
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