Federal Govt, Governors Brainstorm On Broadband Access

The federal government and the 36 state governors have brainstormed on how to address the obstacles hindering broadband penetration in the states.

This was the crux of the Broadband Technical Awareness Forum for Governors, which was held in Abuja at the weekend with the theme; “State Broadband Co-ordinating Council: Potentials and Possibilities.

Minister of communications and digital economy, Isa Ibrahim Pantami, who spoke through a hologram, said it had become imperative to address the issues such as multiple taxes and right of way  to pave the way for  a better penetration at the sub- national level.

He said the broadband penetration   goal cannot be achieved in Nigeria   without accommodating the sub- national level, adding that the National Broadband Policy (2020-2025) was launched  to increase the broadband penetration  in the country.

Executive vice chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said  broadband infrastructure is about transforming facets of life including empowering students to have equitable access to the internet.

Edo state Governor Godwin Obaseki in his remarks said the broadband penetration will enable a smart, effective and transparent governance system.

He added that broadband penetration and ICT significantly cut down the cost of governance, stressing that his state has a platform of governance  that is technology –enabled.