The first ICT Cluster Gap Study was conducted by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in 2013. The study aimed to identify clusters of voice telephony and transport network gaps in the country. The results of the study revealed 207 clusters with an estimated population of about 36.8 million people.
A second study was conducted in 2019, and 114 clusters were identified with an estimated population of 31.16 million people living in unserved and underserved areas.
Consequently, a third study conducted in 2022 revealed a further reduction in the clusters, from 114 to 97, with an estimated population of 27.91 million people living in those clusters.
The most recent study conducted in 2024 identified that the number of clusters has further reduced from 97 to 87 clusters, with an estimated population of 23.37 million people.
The clusters are grouped according to five population density ranges and are represented by different colors, while areas with network signal are represented in white as presented below:
|
Legend |
Population Range |
No of Clusters |
|
|
54643 - 154747 |
17 |
|
|
154,748 – 243,934 |
16 |
|
|
243,935 – 359,387 |
19 |
|
|
359,388 – 524,238 |
18 |
|
|
524,239 – 943,303 |
17 |
|
|
Areas with Coverage |
N/A |
Each cluster has been defined, and its attributes (such as major towns, occupations, institutions, and vegetation type, amongst others) have been identified. A visual presentation of the clusters is accessible in basic and interactive forms.
The Access Gap Map supports the USPF to strategically design projects and initiatives to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive connectivity across 21st-century Nigeria.
Beyond its role in public policy, the tool is also available to other interested parties, including private sector operators, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and infrastructure developers, to guide the deployment of broadband and digital infrastructure nationwide