Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) Nigeria – a coalition advocating for affordable and improved broadband penetration in Nigeria in last five years has reiterated its commitment to seeking robust collaborations with relevant stakeholders in building a responsive Broadband Plan for Nigeria, towards achieving Vision 2020, Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and beyond.
This was disclosed at the recent coalition meeting in Abuja which had key players within the Telecommunications sector, civil society organisations representatives, media as well as consumers in attendance.
According to the Dr Ernest Ndukwe, National Coordinator, A4AI Nigeria, who currently doubles as Chairman MTN Nigeria “it has become imperative for us as a coalition to keep strengthening our collaborations with major stakeholders to provide a unified voice and coordinated focus in addressing the shared goal of open, affordable and equal access to internet across the Country most importantly in meeting vision 2020 target”
Ndukwe affirmed that even though Nigeria has fared comparatively better in Africa ranking 3rd and 4th positions based on 2017 and 2018 A4AI Internet Affordability Report respectively, there is need for the coalition to scale up its commitments in support the vision 2020 target as well as Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
‘This coalition is ever ready and willing to support the development of a suitable policy and regulatory environment to meet Vision 2020 and the Government’s ERGP.
Speaking at the meeting, Onica Makwakwa, Director, A4AI Africa, said it’s been quite progressive to note that A4AI having worked in Nigeria through the coalition Since 2014, has witnessed significant progress using Affordability Drivers Index.
“Nigeria was amongst the first countries in Africa to adopt the “1 for 2” affordability target, committing to ensuring that Nigerians can afford at least 1G of data per month at an average of no more than 2% of average monthly GNI” she remarked.