By Ken Afor
The Federal Government has said that Lagos and Edo States have been ranked top in fibre optics infrastructure development in the country.
This was disclosed in the document on ‘Deepening Nigeria’s National Backbone and Middle Mile Infrastructure’ from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as sighted by THISDAY.
Lagos emerged as the leading state in fibre optics infrastructure development covering 7,864.60km while Edo is second with 4,892.71km of fiber optic cable network in the state out of the 78,676km of cable infrastructure in Nigeria.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) emerged third with 4,472.03km, while Ogun and Niger States trail with 4,189.18km and 3,681.66km, respectively.
According to the document, “Thus far, 78,676km of fibre optic cables have been deployed as of 2023. Lagos leads with 7,864.60km; Edo, 4,892.71km; FCT, 4,472.03km; Ogun, 4,189.18km; Niger, 3,681.66km; Kaduna, 3,028.88km and Delta, 2,750.42km. Kano and Kogi follow with 2,697.72km and 2,602.25km in that order.
“The least 10 States in fibre deployment are Yobe (1,233.31km), Borno (1,190.04km), Gombe (1182.40km) and Ekiti (1,178.04km). Others are Jigawa (1100.53km), Taraba (1,076.58km), Sokoto (1,066.56km), Plateau (997.45km), Ebonyi, 651.65km and Bayelsa (407.88km).”
Despite this achievement, the outlet quoting the document stated that people still face the challenge of accessing reliable and affordable internet services in the country.
Edo State has achieved this milestone due to Governor Godwin Obaseki’s bold commitment to prioritizing investment in digital infrastructure as a key pillar to drive economic growth.
Programmes such as the Edo Tech Park and the Edo Innovates Hub, along with the provision of public internet service and the rollout of free WiFi in public spaces in the state, aim to motivate and encourage youths to participate in the flexible labor market.
