ICT investment in Nigeria 'totals $18bn'

12 October 2009

Since 2001, investments in telecom and ICT infrastructure in Nigeria have totalled $18 billion (£11.3 billion) - and the country is keen on attracting more.

Chief executive of the communications commission Ernest Ndukwe revealed this figure at the ITU World 2009 Forum and Exhibition in Geneva this week, saying the majority came from direct foreign investment.

Referring to the addition of 68 million active subscriber lines in the past year as a revolution, he lauded governmental decisions to seek private sector participation in this domain.

Building on the in-roads into voice telephone, internet and broadband services, the current priority had to be fibre optic infrastructure, the official noted.

Mr Ndukwe went on to say the nation held many investment opportunities for both existing and new players.

The opinion that ICT should be a priority for the country's development echoed the findings of this summer's Digital Bridge Institute report.

President of the organisation Raymond Akwule told the Vanguard this issue was of primary importance to Nigerian society.

Category: ICT