In a move to foster Nigeria’s digital landscape, American multinational technology conglomerate Meta is set to deploy two submarine cables in Nigeria.
The cables which have been scheduled to land Lagos and Akwa Ibom respectively before the end November are part of the government’s efforts to boost digital infrastructure in the country and and grow broadband penetration.
Director General of the National Information Technology Development of Nigeria (NITDA), Abdullahi Kashifu, announced this development on Friday at the Global Tech Africa conference.
Kashifu stressed that the initiative is part of the Nigerian government’s strategy to bolster digital infrastructure and foster increased broadband penetration in the country.
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.
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.”
Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, Kojo Boakye, and Meta’s Director for West Africa, Adaora Ikenze, who were present during the meeting, highlighted the importance of the collaboration between the tech giant and the Nigerian government in advancing digital connectivity and technological development.
|The Punch
