By Babajide Olaniyi
The internet has become the backbone of modern life. From how we run businesses to how we study, bank, and even access healthcare, connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. In Nigeria, however, the reality is still a mix of progress and setbacks.
As someone who runs an Internet Service Provider (ISP) company, I see these realities every day. Customers want reliable service, small businesses want to grow online, and families want affordable access. Yet, despite our country’s size and potential, fewer than half of Nigerians are truly connected. As of April 2025, internet penetration stood at just under 49%—far short of the 70% broadband target set for this year. This means millions remain excluded from opportunities that reliable internet access could bring.
The Opportunities We Can Unlock
I believe Nigeria is on the verge of something big. Our digital economy is expanding at a pace that cannot be ignored. Startups are springing up daily, fintech companies are changing the way money moves, and online businesses are creating jobs where none existed before. All of this depends on internet connectivity.
Education and healthcare are also prime examples. During the pandemic, I watched as students and teachers struggled with online learning because of poor connectivity. The same applies to healthcare, where a strong internet connection could make telemedicine a lifeline for communities far from hospitals. These challenges highlight both the gaps and the opportunities.
Technology is advancing too. More Nigerians now use 4G, and 5G—though still new—is slowly being adopted. The government’s commitment to laying tens of thousands of kilometres of fibre cable is a step in the right direction. If implemented fully, it will change the way Nigerians connect, learn, and do business.
The Challenges Holding Us Back
Still, we cannot ignore the challenges. Affordability is one of the biggest. Too many Nigerians cannot afford the kind of data they need for serious work or study. Even when they can, service quality is not always reliable. I have seen firsthand the frustration that comes when a customer cannot rely on their connection to deliver when it matters most.
Infrastructure is another barrier. Rural and semi-urban areas remain underserved. At Teltwine, we have often had to explain to communities why they cannot yet get the same level of service as those in city centres. It is not because they do not deserve it, but because the backbone is not there yet. Without investment in last-mile connectivity, millions will remain locked out of the digital economy.
Regulatory and policy issues also play a role. Too often, bureaucracy slows down the pace of progress. For ISPs like mine, this creates hurdles that make it harder to deliver the kind of service our customers deserve.
The Role ISPs Must Play
Even with these challenges, I believe ISPs must step up. Our responsibility goes beyond selling bandwidth. We must invest in scalable infrastructure that can grow with demand. We must innovate—whether that means creating flexible packages for students, affordable community-based WiFi, or enterprise solutions that help businesses scale.
Most importantly, we must win back customer trust. Nigerians have every right to expect service that works when they need it. By being transparent, responsive, and consistent, ISPs can change the narrative. At Teltwine, we’ve learned that when customers trust you, they stay with you.
Collaboration is also vital. No single ISP can solve this problem alone. We must work with government, regulators, and other players in the ecosystem to build the kind of infrastructure Nigeria needs.
Looking Forward
The future of internet connectivity in Nigeria will determine how far we go as a country. Reliable access must be treated as national infrastructure, just like electricity and roads. Without it, we risk leaving millions behind.
As an operator in this space, I see both the frustrations and the possibilities. The progress we’ve made shows that change is possible. But the gaps remind us that much more work lies ahead.
If we can invest wisely, regulate smartly, and put customers at the centre, Nigeria will not just catch up—we will lead Africa’s digital revolution. The opportunity is in front of us, and the time to act is now.
Babajide Olaniyi, MD/CTO, Teltwine Networks Limited
