The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to introduce a Digital Connectivity Index, the first of its kind in the country, to assess and rank all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory based on their broadband readiness and digital infrastructure performance.

The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, during a Business Roundtable on Improving Investments in Broadband Connectivity and Safeguarding Critical National Infrastructure in Abuja, aims to promote accountability, attract investment, and strengthen digital inclusion across Nigeria.

Maida explained that the index will serve as a transparent scorecard measuring each state’s digital competitiveness, helping policymakers, investors, and operators identify strengths and weaknesses in broadband deployment.

“The Digital Connectivity Index will provide a transparent, state-by-state scorecard that measures each state’s readiness and competitiveness in the digital economy,” Maida stated. “This tool will ensure accountability, drive investment, and encourage states to adopt pro-investment policies that expand connectivity and empower citizens.”

The announcement comes amid concerns that unequal internet access is hampering Nigeria’s economic growth. The index is designed to expose disparities between urban centres—where broadband penetration is strong—and rural areas that still struggle with connectivity, affecting education, healthcare, and commerce.

According to Maida, the ranking will evaluate several critical factors, including the adoption of right-of-way (RoW) waivers, infrastructure protection, ease of regulatory approvals, coordination between state agencies and telecom operators, and energy resilience for network sites.

States that have implemented full RoW waivers, streamlined approval processes, and encouraged public-private partnerships for broadband expansion are expected to perform better in the rankings. Conversely, those with bureaucratic barriers and inconsistent regulations may lag behind.

“This is not just a report card,” Maida stressed. “It is a roadmap. States that align with pro-investment policies will attract more operators, expand their fibre networks faster, and create greater opportunities for their citizens. States that delay risk being left behind in Nigeria’s digital revolution.”

The Digital Connectivity Index will complement the NCC’s upcoming Ease of Doing Business Portal, designed as a one-stop resource for operators and investors seeking guidance on approvals, right-of-way applications, and regulatory procedures across all states.

“Policy alignment matters,” Maida noted. “In states that have waived RoW charges and protected telecom infrastructure, operators are expanding networks with confidence. This proves that enabling policies directly impact investment decisions and the quality of services available to citizens.”

The NCC plans to release the first edition of the index later this year, with annual updates to track progress and identify areas requiring policy intervention.

As of August 2025, Nigeria’s broadband penetration stood at approximately 48.81 per cent, representing more than 140 million internet users. The ICT and telecom sector remains one of the country’s top contributors to GDP, underscoring the importance of equitable digital expansion across all regions.

The new index is expected to become a key policy instrument in driving Nigeria’s broadband ambitions and ensuring that no state is left behind in the nation’s digital transformation journey.