Nigeria’s Federal Government says it would award contracts for the provision of broadband infrastructure in various sectors across the six geopolitical zones on Thursday.
The projects set to be awarded were recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, after the presentation by Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
The projects are expected to be completed within six months from the date of the award.
This is contained in a statement signed by Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Reuben Muoka, on Sunday.
The statement read, “Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, will, on Thursday, November 24, 2022, in Abuja, preside over the commencement of landmark broadband initiatives to be implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to accelerate broadband penetration in Nigeria and advance the course of digital economy projections for the nation.
“The event will witness the award of contracts for the provision of broadband infrastructure for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, as well as for tertiary and higher institutions of learning across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
“Pantami is also billed to present a book, Skills rather than just degrees, authored by him, with a Foreword written by Brad Smith, President, Microsoft Corporation.
“The list of projects for the various geopolitical zones that are set for launch were recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, after presentation by the Minister. The projects are expected to be completed within six months, from the date of the award.
“Well-known tech companies have been selected through transparent tendering process by the Nigerian Communications Commission, for the implementation of the strategic projects.
“The event is expected to attract multi-stakeholders from the academia, technology enthusiasts, including prospective start-up companies, fintech organisations and other interested sectors whose activities are billed to energize the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, 2020-2030.
“The provision of broadband infrastructure for the micro, small and medium enterprises in Nigeria, and for tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones of the country will add the necessary fillip towards achieving the major objectives spelt out in the NDEPS 2020-2030.”