Google’s Equiano submarine cable has landed in Lagos. and it is projected to grow the Nigerian economy by improving connectivity and creating over six million jobs.
The landing was announced by Google, in collaboration with the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) at a virtual launch event on Thursday, April 21, 2022.
Notable attendees at the virtual landing of the cable were the Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo Olu, representatives of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.
The Equiano cable, named after a Nigerian historical abolitionist, Olaudah Equiano, has up to 20 times more power and higher levels of durability than the last cable built to serve the West African region.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Google West Africa, Juliet Ehimuan expressed Google’s commitment in improving the state of digital experience in Nigeria.
“Google is committed to supporting Africa’s digital transformation and we are excited to see the impact of the landing of Equiano in Nigeria.
“We’ve worked with established partners and in-country experts to guarantee that Equiano has the greatest potential effect in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
“Equiano is set to make an enduring contribution towards the development of Nigeria’s communications infrastructure and today marks another major step in its development.
“We look forward to honouring our commitment to be part of Africa’s digital transformation,” she said.
Ehimuan explained that Equaino cable can spread in Nigeria, leading to economic impact by boosting GDP by USD 10.1 billion by 2025 and job creation by 1.6 million by 2025.
According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WIOCC, being selected by Google as a landing partner for the Equiano cable in Nigeria is a feat.
“From there it will be extended to other data centres across Lagos.
“The Equiano cable will deliver improved internet quality, speeds and affordability to the people of Nigeria.
“However, for the benefits to be fully felt throughout Nigeria, hyperscale connectivity needs to be extended from the Lagos area to the rest of the country. To make this happen, WIOCC is also deploying a comprehensive, hyperscale national fibre network, in partnership with Phase3 telecom.
“The network will go live in phases, starting in June and continuing through to the end of the year.
“When combined with the Equiano cable this network will deliver transformational benefits across the country,” he said.
