Meta Set To Deploy Two Submarine Cables In Nigeria

Meta is set to deploy two submarine cables, with landings scheduled in Lagos and Akwa Ibom by the end of November, a move to enhance Nigeria’s digital landscape.

This was disclosed by the Director General of the National Information Technology Development of Nigeria, Abdullahi Kashifu, during the Global Tech Africa conference on Friday.

Kashifu explained the initiative as part of the Nigerian government’s strategy to bolster digital infrastructure and foster increased broadband penetration in the country.

However, this announcement was made after a delegation from Meta Platform was welcomed at the National Assembly Complex by Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Tuesday.

While speaking during the meeting, Kalu expressed optimism about the anticipated benefits that Meta’s investment in submarine cables would bring to the country.

The cable, supported by Meta, made its entrance shortly after the 12,000km Google-backed Equiano undersea cable landed in April 2022.

According to a statement, Kalu applauded the Meta’s contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy, specifically highlighting investments in fiber optic cables, mobile partnerships, and business support for entrepreneurs and small to medium-scale enterprises.

He said, “The news of the 45,000km subsea cable landing is particularly exciting and commendable, given its potential socio-economic impact on the country.”