In a move to enhance Nigeria’s digital landscape, Meta is set to deploy two submarine cables, with landings scheduled in Lagos and Akwa Ibom by the end of November.
This development was announced by the Director General of the National Information Technology Development of Nigeria (NITDA), Abdullahi Kashifu, during the Global Tech Africa conference on Friday organised by the Future Map Foundation and sponsored by the US Consulate.
Kashifu emphasised that the initiative is part of the Nigerian government’s strategy to bolster digital infrastructure and foster increased broadband penetration in the country.
He said the move aligns with efforts to propel Nigeria into the forefront of the digital era.
However, this announcement comes after a delegation from Meta Platform was welcomed at the National Assembly Complex by Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Kalu expressed optimism about the anticipated benefits that Meta’s investment in submarine cables would bring to the country.
Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, Kojo Boakye, and Meta’s Director for West Africa, Adaora Ikenze, were present during the meeting, highlighting the importance of the collaboration between the tech giant and the Nigerian government in advancing digital connectivity and technological development.
The cable, supported by Meta, made its entrance shortly after the 12,000km Google-backed Equiano undersea cable landed in April 2022.
In a statement, Kalu expressed appreciation for Meta’s contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy, specifically highlighting investments in fiber optic cables, mobile partnerships, and business support for entrepreneurs and small to medium-scale enterprises.
Kalu stated, “The news of the 45,000km subsea cable landing is particularly exciting and commendable, given its potential socio-economic impact on the country.”
The Punch
