Telecom
5G: Nigeria Requires Additional 167,000 kilometres of Fibre Infrastructure to Meet Ubiquitous Broadband Target – ipNX Business CEO
Segun Okuneye, Divisional CEO ipNX Business has said that Nigeria requires additional 167,000 kilometres of fibre infrastructure to fulfill its target of fifth generation network and ubiquitous broadband.
He noted that to meet the current broadband targets and those of the future with advanced connectivity such as the fifth-generation network, “The nation needs between 120,000 to 167,000 kms of fibre infrastructure, in addition to the existing 55,000 km.”
Okuneye made this submission recently while addressing telecoms stakeholders at a forum dedicated to the National Policy on the Fifith Generation Network for Nigeria’s Digital Economy, which ipNX co-sponsored.
He noted that the critical link between undersea cables that conveys huge connectivity capacity into the country and the end users is the Fibre Sub-sector, where ipNX Nigeria is a major player.
According to him, “Nigeria needs three times more fibre infrastructure than it currently has to attain about 90 per cent broadband penetration among others by 2025.”
He said backhauling is a major dependent requirement to express the inherent value from the 5th generation network.
This, according to him, is required for accessing traffic aggregation which involves capacity and scalability; as well as transportation in high-speed, low latency, high quality that guarantees reliability.
He said, “Increased speeds with lower attenuation, immunity to electromagnetic interference, small size, and virtually unlimited bandwidth potential are among the many reasons why fiber is the right choice when compared to other backhauling technologies.”
Thinking ahead, Okuneye stressed that it is important to lay fiber now to potential small and macro cells, wherever and whenever possible and existing cell sites.
“This is a critical preparatory step if these cell sites are to be upgraded to 5G in the coming years,” he said.
As much as the ipNX boss underscored the key roles of fibre in 5G deployment, he also identified potential challenges to successful Role-Out of 5G, from fibre perspective.
He bemoaned low levels of Fiber Optic Infrastructure, noting that nationally, fibre optic cable infrastructure deployment is insufficient and mostly available in a few cities and urban areas.
Factors contributing to this, according to him, include the issues of vandalism and damage to existing fiber infrastructure from road construction.
He further listed Right of Way (RoW), as a long-standing challenge to telecoms infrastructure roll-out over the years.
He stated that high RoW fees continue to hinder the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria.
“The proposed Unified RoW is yet to be accepted by several states and their agencies, and as they continue to administer RoW differently with financial demands, this poses major challenges to operators’ roll out plans.
“This is in addition to the divergent policies and inability to obtain R0W permits from the various states,” he lamented.
Okuneye also identified access to forex as another cog in the wheel of fibre roll-out for 5G and ubiquitous broadband.
He noted that the telecoms industry in Nigeria relies heavily on foreign equipment manufacturers and imported technical expertise for deployment and maintenance of networks.
“The cost and process of accessing forex still remains a major challenge to the fibre sub-sector operators, and this could further create a setback for 5G deployment.
“In addition, operators are still experiencing security challenges, sometimes leading to the temporary shutdown of telecom services – caused by Infrastructure vandalism, thefts, and community issues. Hence, security will continue to be a challenge if not effectively tackled,” he said.
Okuneye called for innovative regulations and stakeholder management, adding that multiple taxation and duties should also be addressed to relieve their impacts on importation of passive and active infrastructure.
He said, “Therefore, the Fibre platform and Sub-Sector operators will continue to play an important role in 5G implementation. The platform will be a key driver to enjoy the intended gain of the Digital Economy and Transformation in Nigeria and to attain the goal of the National Broadband Plan
“The Fibre sub-sector operators in Nigeria are in dire need of government intervention to address the myriad of challenges facing the sector such as high Interest Rates, limited Access to Foreign Exchange, High taxation, Steep cost of Right-of-Way permits, denial of permits for infrastructure roll-out, damage to infrastructure, unstable power supply and others.
“The application of interventionist policies will further help the fibre sub-sector to effectively play its role in the successful implementation of 5G in Nigeria,” he concluded.
As the 20th Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) opens in Lillestrøm, Norway, leading pan-African social enterprise Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is championing grassroots voices in global digital policy discussions.
Running from June 23–27 under the theme “Building Digital Governance Together,” the IGF unites stakeholders from civil society, governments, the private sector, and technical communities to tackle pressing digital issues such as access, AI ethics, surveillance, and content moderation.
The discussions also contribute to the upcoming World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 review in December 2025.
PIN’s participation comes at a time when digital governance decisions are increasingly shaping the future of billions. “It is essential that grassroots solutions are heard,” said ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of PIN. “At PIN, we believe that meaningful digital inclusion requires more than just connectivity.
“It demands inclusive, progressive and sustainable policies and frameworks built taking the realities of grassroots stakeholders into consideration.”
Representing PIN at IGF 2025 are Sesan, Chief Operating Officer Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, and Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements Thobekile Matimbe. They will engage in strategic sessions on topics like connectivity in excluded communities, AI accountability in content moderation, and human rights in emerging tech.
The team will also participate in coordination meetings with partners including Meta, UNESCO, the Freedom Online Coalition, and GPD.
PIN’s presence at the forum underscores its ongoing mission to embed digital rights within grassroots realities and to ensure that global internet governance frameworks are inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of marginalised communities.
Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) stakeholders have applauded the latest in bookshelf by Remmy Nweke, the Village Priest, which was presented at the recently concluded Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) in Lagos.
The presentation and review of the book, “The Village Priest” by Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, largely described as a powerful narrative explored the intersection of tradition and innovation in rural Igboland, received widespread acclaim, with its themes resonating deeply with the event’s focus on ‘Global Digital Compact: Opportunities for Multi-stakeholders in Nigeria.’
The highly anticipated review was delivered by Mr. ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a renowned social entrepreneur and advocate for digital rights and inclusion in Africa.
Sesan lauded Nweke’s prose fiction for its insightful portrayal of “innovative technology adaptation transforming rural communities,” describing it as “a careful work of cultural documentation, offering not just a story but a chronicle—a record of transition that many rural and even urban African communities continue to live through.”
Sesan’s review highlighted the book’s central character, Ogboo AniEze, the revered chief priest of Ilimefo, whose life is dedicated to preserving his village’s customs. The narrative unfolds as “the village and its people, their traditional practices and strong cultural heritage at the crossroads!” with the arrival of GSM technology—a “strange and mysterious piece of technology” that initially challenges Ogboo AniEze’s traditional views.
The review detailed the chief priest’s journey of reconciliation, from initial fear of GSM eroding cultural heritage to a profound understanding that the technology “also offered opportunities for growth, development, and connection with the wider world.” This transformation leads to a new era of harmony in Ilimefo, where “tradition and modernity coexisted in balance.” The book beautifully illustrates how mobile phones become “a powerful tool for preserving the village’s cultural heritage” and how interfaith collaboration, particularly with Catholic priest Fada Ekie, fosters a “fusion of traditions” and a “new spiritual identity.”
“It teaches us, without preaching,” Sesan concluded, “that true innovation is not in abandoning our roots, but in strengthening them with new tools.”
This year’s Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum, was presided over by Dr. Jimson Olufuye, former President of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria and a member of the UN Secretary-General’s IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), served as a crucial platform for discussing the future of digital governance.
Olufuye also commended the author, Nweke for his perseverance in serving the ICT industry as well as endearing documentation of the sector.
For the Managing Director, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, the latest book by Nweke depicts the gift of in depth creativity and urged him on, despite the challenges the sectorial environment throws at industry players.
Organized by ITREALMS Media and hosted under DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA), an At-Large Structure certified by ICANN, the forum brought together key partners including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, Internet Society Nigeria chapter, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and ICANN.
The NDSF series, running since 2009, continues to “motivate public discourse and create awareness on the technological cum business benefits of rapidly advancing technologies capable of impacting on Internet Governance, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and domain name industry, access and affordability,” while offering a vital platform for industry networking.
The event not only celebrated the literary achievement of Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, a multiple award-winning journalist, but also reinforced the commitment of ICT stakeholders to fostering digital inclusion and innovation across Nigeria.
Mastercard amplifies its iconic sonic brand across Africa with the launch of two localized sonic anthems, “Wami” in the Afrobeat genre and “Amazwe” in the Amapiano genre. Featuring Nigerian star, Mayorkun, and South African sensation, Sho Madjozi, the new tracks blend Mastercard’s global sonic identity with the rhythm, emotion and culture that define the continent’s vibrant music scene.
Research by Kantar on sonic branding has revealed that it is a powerful marketing tool, enabling brands to achieve a 76% increase in brand power, a 138% boost in advertising effectiveness, and a 17% lift in ad recall. It reinforces Mastercard’s positioning from a payments brand to a culturally resonant brand embedded in people’s everyday lives.
Mastercard’s Africa anthems are crafted to connect with the continent’s young, music-loving audiences. Reinforcing Mastercard’s commitment to creativity and youth empowerment, the Afrobeat anthem was produced by LeriQ, the acclaimed Nigerian producer who participated in the 2024 season of the Mastercard Artist Accelerator, demonstrating the program’s impact in elevating local voices to global stages. The Accelerator supported emerging artists and creators with mentorship, digital tools, funding and platforms to grow their brands and amplify their impact globally.
“We’re excited to bring our sonic brand to life in a way that’s uniquely African. Afrobeats and Amapiano are not just musical genres; they are cultural movements. By collaborating with incredible talent like Mayorkun and Sho Madjozi, we’re creating a sound that connects emotionally with consumers while reinforcing trust and innovation in every transaction,” said Ahmed Abdel-Karim Hussein, Executive Vice President, Integrated Marketing & Communications, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, Mastercard.
The Amapiano anthem is produced by South African hitmaker Gemini Major and performed by rap sensation Sho Madjozi alongside popular artists Mthunzi and Sfundo Ndimande, who deliver an uplifting track that radiates optimism. The eclectic performance emulates Mastercard’s progressive approach to digital payments and youth engagement across the continent.
The Afrobeat anthem, produced by LeriQ, known for his genre-defining work with Burna Boy, and performed by award-winning singer and songwriter, Mayorkun, captures Mastercard’s passion with energetic rhythms and lyrics. Mayorkun brings his signature blend of Afro-pop and R&B sound to the anthem, creating a dynamic and upbeat soundtrack.
“Having been part of the Mastercard Artist Accelerator, it’s exciting to continue the journey by collaborating with Mayorkun on this vibrant track. I am proud to keep representing Africa on the global stage through this Mastercard project,” said LeriQ.
Sho Madjozi added, “Collaborating with talented local artists and producers to fuse Mastercard’s sonic identity into a fresh Amapiano anthem was both fun and meaningful. The result is a track full of energy, rooted in the vibrant spirit of South Africa.
The Sonic anthems will launch with accompanying music videos and a TikTok dance challenge.
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