A technology expert, Jessica Eni, has said that a community-centred approach, inclusive connectivity models, and workable policies are key to accelerating Nigeria’s slow 5G adoption rate.
Eni, Legal and Policy Programmes Officer at Techsocietal, a tech-focused NGO, told reporters on Saturday that non-affordability and lack of infrastructure are the major reasons for the slow adoption of 5G.
She noted that many Nigerians cannot afford 5G-enabled devices due to their high cost and expensive data requirements.
Eni said: “There’s a huge gap between rural and urban areas in terms of internet accessibility. There are some rural areas where internet is not available at all because the required infrastructure is lacking.
“There needs to be inclusive connectivity models, community-centred initiatives, and the installation of public Wi-Fi at strategic locations to improve network usability.”
She added that local government authorities need to invest in infrastructure deployment for rural communities and subsidise the cost of commercial data.
Eni emphasised that rural areas must be included in conversations about broadband connectivity instead of focusing only on urban areas.
She noted that the higher population ratio in rural areas makes their inclusion critical in infrastructure discussions.
The tech expert further stressed the need for digital literacy and awareness, beyond infrastructure provision.
“Some people avoid the internet due to its negative aspects. So even if the infrastructure is available, they may not use it.
“A community-centred approach, inclusive connectivity models, and workable policies are the solution,” Eni stressed.
Techsocietal is a Nigerian-based non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting safe, protective, and inclusive digital spaces.
