Bridging the Connectivity Gap in Nigeria: A Commitment to Change
My name is Opeyemi, I am the Technical Support Manager, Nigeria at unconnected.org. But before titles and roles defined me, I am just a girl born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. A girl who grew up watching her community fight for opportunities that many take for granted.
One memory still burns in my mind: I'll never forget the day my cousin walked few distance to a cyber cafe just to submit a university application. By the time he got to the cafe, the power was out, and the cafe had closed. That moment, a mix of frustration and helplessness stayed with me. It wasn’t just about my cousin; it was about thousands of Nigerians like him, cut off from a world that moves at the speed of the internet.
This is my home, these are my people and this is why I joined unconnected.org. This organization doesn’t see connectivity as a checkbox, it sees it as a freedom and this is why I believe in the impact of expanding digital access across the country I love.
Closing the Connectivity Gap in Nigeria
In today’s digital era, internet access is an essential service rather than a luxury. However, millions of people, particularly in rural areas, remain unconnected, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The connectivity gap continues to highlight disparities in digital access, with urban areas benefiting from rapid technological advancements while many rural communities struggle with little to no connectivity. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored this divide—while digitally connected regions adapted swiftly, unconnected communities faced significant challenges.
Internet Growth and Persistent Barriers
Nigeria’s internet penetration continues to grow steadily. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the country recorded 164.3 million active internet subscribers in Q1 2024, reflecting a 4.33% increase from the previous year. Despite this progress, several barriers continue to hinder universal access to the internet.
The key challenges include:
Insufficient infrastructure – Many rural areas lack essential components such as fibre optic cables, mobile towers, and a stable power supply, which are critical for reliable internet services.
High cost of data – The financial burden of internet access remains a challenge, particularly for low-income households, where data costs compete with essential needs such as food and healthcare.
Limited digital literacy – Even in areas where internet access is available, many individuals lack the necessary digital skills to maximise its benefits. Small-scale business owners may struggle to use e-commerce platforms, while students may find it difficult to engage with online learning resources effectively.
unconnected.org: Advancing Digital Inclusion
Global non-profit unconnected.org is at the forefront of efforts to bridge the digital divide by providing internet access, digital skills training, and affordable devices to underserved communities. By adopting a technology-agnostic approach, unconnected.org ensures that solutions are tailored to the unique needs of each community.
Through Vodafone’s charities.connected programme, unconnected.org has facilitated digital inclusion initiatives, including the distribution of thousands of SIM cards to vulnerable groups in the UK. One such case involved a mother who, after years of coercive control and domestic abuse, used her connectivity to access essential support services, finalise her divorce, and regain contact with her children.
Government Initiatives to Improve Connectivity
The Nigerian government has taken proactive measures to address the connectivity gap through the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025). This initiative aims to:
✔ Provide a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas
✔ Ensure internet access for 90% of the population by 2025
✔ Reduce the cost of data to N390 per GB
These efforts are complemented by policy-driven initiatives, private sector investment, and collaborations with non-governmental organisations to create a more inclusive digital landscape.
A Collaborative Effort Towards a Connected Future
Addressing Nigeria’s digital divide requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations. While progress has been made, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that connectivity extends to all communities, regardless of geographic or economic constraints.
By supporting unconnected.org, individuals and organisations can contribute to expanding internet access, digital literacy, and technology affordability for marginalised populations. Whether through direct support, advocacy, or raising awareness, every effort plays a role in closing the connectivity gap.
Join us in building a future where digital access is a fundamental right, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.
