Stakeholders across Nigeria's telecommunications, technology, and infrastructure sectors will gather in Lagos for the second edition of the Rural Connectivity Summit. The event, scheduled for October 13, 2026, aims to examine the factors keeping over 23 million Nigerians offline and explore practical pathways to extend connectivity to underserved communities. The summit, organized by Business Metrics Limited, will focus on "Rural Inclusion at Scale: Connecting the Next 25 Million Users for Frontier Market Growth."
Key government agencies driving Nigeria's connectivity and digital inclusion agenda have keyed into the summit. The Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, will deliver the keynote address. Other notable speakers include Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju of Galaxy Backbone, Dr. Abba Aliyu of the Rural Electrification Agency, and Engr. Jane Egerton-Idehen of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited. They will lead high-level engagements to discuss practical pathways for connecting the next 25 million Nigerians.
According to Omobayo Azeez, Team Lead at Business Metrics Limited and Convener of the Summit, the event will examine the business value of Nigeria's unconnected population and innovative models for last-mile deployment. Discussions will also explore infrastructure sharing, investment partnerships, and financing options for rural broadband expansion. The urgency of the conversation is underscored by the number of Nigerians still outside meaningful connectivity.
Industry estimates put the population without access at over 23 million, while millions more remain in communities where connectivity is limited or inadequate. The quality of available connections also highlights the gap. Nigerian Communications Commission industry statistics show that 2G still accounted for 36.54 percent of mobile-generation market share in July 2026.
The summit will also explore the role of MVNOs, government rural connectivity initiatives, digital inclusion across financial services, education, and healthcare, satellite investment, and policy and regulatory frameworks for accelerating connectivity. These discussions aim to address the significant divide between communities yet to gain reliable access and urban centers where higher-capacity networks are increasingly available.
The Rural Connectivity Summit seeks to bring together stakeholders to discuss solutions to Nigeria's digital divide. With key government agencies and industry experts participating, the event is expected to provide valuable insights into bridging the connectivity gap. The summit's focus on practical pathways and innovative models for last-mile deployment will be crucial in addressing the challenges faced by underserved communities.
The second edition of the Rural Connectivity Summit is a significant step towards addressing Nigeria's digital inclusion challenges. With over 23 million Nigerians remaining offline, the event provides a platform for stakeholders to converge and discuss solutions. The summit's outcomes are expected to contribute to the country's efforts to extend connectivity to underserved communities and promote frontier market growth.
Key points
- Over 23 million Nigerians remain offline due to limited or inadequate connectivity.
- The Rural Connectivity Summit aims to examine practical pathways to extend connectivity to underserved communities.
- The event will explore innovative models for last-mile deployment, infrastructure sharing, and financing options for rural broadband expansion.
