President Muhammadu Buhari claims his regime has achieved 100 per cent broadband penetration across Nigeria.

The president said this in Abuja on Tuesday at a digital economy conference tagged ‘Promoting a Vibrant Digital Economy, A Catalyst for Economic Growth in Nigeria’.

The conference was organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

Represented by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isah Patami, the president said the figure was contrary to reports that the country had only achieved 43 per cent penetration. According to him, reports on 43 per cent penetration are obsolete.

“One of the richest persons in the world announced that Nigeria, out of the 54 African countries, has outstanding broadband. As I speak to you today, the broadband penetration in Nigeria is 100 per cent,” Mr Buhari announced.

He said his regime performed excellently in achieving wider broadband for Nigerians, noting that from 23 per cent coverage in 2019, the broadband increased by 77 per cent in 2022 and 100 per cent in 2023.

“As of today, the broadband can be accessed everywhere in the country, whether in the urban area, rural area or desert. We are the first African country to attain this and the only one so far,” the president said, adding that the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy was rated highly by an independent assessment.

He explained that “70 per cent is (a) distinction, and the digital sector has surpassed it.”

“We delivered excellently in all the eight priority areas in the sector. For instance, on pillar number one, which is broadband penetration, we achieved 134 per cent, pillar number two, which is 4G penetration, we achieved 127 per cent,” Mr Buhari stated. “Furthermore, we delivered 99 per cent on the third pillar, the fourth pillar, which has to do with the national identity, we achieved 94 per cent.”

Mr Buhari added, “On the fifth pillar, which is quarterly revenue generation, we moved from generating N51 billion in three months to N408 billion in three months.”

(NAN)