TRENDS AND CHALLENGES IN ICT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study explores the trends and challenges in ICT infrastructure investment in Nigeria. Using historico-analytic and comparative study method, this study looks at the different Trends in ICT and the challenges encountered in ICT infrastructure investment in Nigeria in subtle comparison with other African countries. Since infrastructure investment is widely recognized as a crucial driver of economic development, while the quality, quantity and accessibility of economic infrastructure in developing countries like Nigeria lag considerably behind those in advanced economies, scaling up infrastructure investment is widely seen as a key pillar in national development. Infrastructure gaps are still large and bridging those gaps will require tackling several problems, in terms of additional financing and project selection and implementation. At a time when the ICT sector is most needed to bolster Nigeria’s ailing national economy, the sector finds itself under considerable political and regulatory pressure, with the country sliding down global indices and some players even preparing to exit the market. The study therefore recommends that the ICT policy needs to be fully implemented while public-private sectors collaboration and partnership should be strengthened especially at the national level. It also recommends that Government at all levels should support and promote the growth of ICT sector by dedicating special funds and resources for the expansion of ICT infrastructure in the country. Furthermore, that ICT education should be inculcated in the school curriculum right from the primary education to the tertiary institutions in order to increase the knowledge base and develop human capacity of the economy.