Professional Review of National Broadband Plan Implementation Progress and Gap Analysis Toward the 2025 Connectivity Targets in Nigeria

Nigeria's National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 set ambitious targets for broadband penetration, average speeds, and rural connectivity that were designed to position the country as a leading digital economy in Africa, and a professional mid-term implementation review provides essential evidence for policy adjustment. This study conducts a professional gap analysis of the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 implementation, comparing progress against defined targets across coverage, speed, affordability, and investment dimensions. A policy evaluation methodology was applied, using document analysis of NCC quarterly access and service reports, Nigerian Communications Commission statistical data bulletins from 2020 to 2024, GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index Nigeria data, and ITU ICT Development Index indicators combined with structured interviews of 20 NCC officials, telecom operator regulatory affairs managers, and infrastructure investment advisers. Progress indicators compared against plan targets include broadband penetration rate, average fixed and mobile download speeds, rural base station coverage, and percentage of population within 4G coverage. Descriptive comparative analysis and target attainment rate calculations were applied. Available broadband policy literature from Nigeria identifies right-of-way cost disputes, vandalism of fibre infrastructure, and electricity supply to base stations as the three factors most significantly delaying plan implementation. The National Broadband Strategy Assessment Framework and the Alliance for Affordable Internet Affordability Driver Model provide the professional reference. Findings indicate that urban broadband targets are on track while rural connectivity targets face a significant risk of non-attainment. Keywords: national broadband plan, connectivity targets, NCC, Nigeria, broadband policy.