The Federal Government has vowed to half the cost of data and Internet services by 2025.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami said this, in Abuja.
The minister also stated that the high cost of data for mobile communications was due to vandalism of ICT infrastructure and Right-of-Way concerns.
Pantami stated that with the broadband penetration drive of his ministry, the cost of data would be reduced by more than 50 per cent by 2025.
He also said that the government planned to commence digital skills training for farmers, residents of rural areas and other beneficiaries.
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According to him, this was part of the moves aimed at making Nigeria’s economy fully digitalised.
Pantami said that his ministry had interfaced with state governors on the cost and other concerns associated with Right-of-Way for ICT infrastructure, adding that this had led to cost reduction.
The minister, who spoke during a training for journalists organised by his ministry and the National Information Technology Development Agency, also noted that the military had been providing support in terms of security for ICT infrastructure.
The minister said, “We are making efforts to cut down the cost of data. Our target is for 180 million Nigerians to have access to broadband by 2025.
“In our drive to make Nigeria a digital economy, we will organise digital skills training for farmers, for people living in rural areas who can read and write, as well as others.”
He said the government was also working on a policy that would promote those who have skills in the ICT sector than others who only own certificates but lack requisite skills.
