In Nigeria—a country of over 220 million people—digital access is no longer a luxury; it’s a pathway to education, economic opportunity, and social mobility. Yet, for many Nigerians, access remains fragmented, unreliable, and often misleading.
Enter VERJ Technologies, a rising star in Nigeria’s ICT sector, founded by Akwaowo Elohim, Nelson Elimimian, Uduakobong Ifiok, and Vera Ediale. Their mission is simple, yet profound: tackle the monthly “unlimited data, halfway gone” dilemma.
“We’re paying for ‘unlimited’ data, but running out halfway through the month,” the founders candidly observed.
This frustration resonates deeply. Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria struggles with inconsistent connections, especially beyond its major urban hubs. Over 40% of the population still faces unreliable access, turning what should be digital latitude into a digital chokehold.
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VERJ’s Hybrid Network Model: Practical and Powerful
VERJ Technologies is addressing the challenge with a hybrid infrastructure approach:
- Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) – Elitist-level bandwidth brought directly to homes and businesses.
- Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) – Rapid, wireless coverage for pockets where fibre rollout is impractical or delayed.
Blending these technologies offers both scale and flexibility, enabling expansive reach—from dense neighbourhoods to isolated hamlets. This also mitigates reliance on traditional mobile operators whose offerings often fall short in both quality and volume.
Port Harcourt: A Launchpad, Not an Incubator
VERJ’s pilot in Port Harcourt is a deliberate strategy. Rather than debuting in already saturated metro markets, it has opted for a city brimming with demand, yet historically overlooked.
“This move… reflects the company’s larger vision: that real transformation often starts where others are not looking.”
By embedding itself in the periphery, VERJ aims to prove its model at scale, adapting to real terrain and community dynamics. It’s the digital equivalent of reinventing the wheel—in reverse.
Customer-Centric Services with No Gimmicks
VERJ describes itself not merely as another ISP, but as a technology partner. Here’s how it differentiates:
- Residential Plans – High-demand households get consistent speeds and transparent data policies.
- SME & Enterprise – Service-level agreements (SLAs), static IPs, and responsive technical support.
- Smart Bundles – Integrated Wi-Fi management, CCTV, and IoT tools for more than just surfing.
- Community Connect – Tailored internet solutions for schools, hospitals, NGOs, and public areas.
VERJ eliminates the “unlimited” myth. Instead, it offers realistic usage thresholds backed by genuine performance. This honesty is refreshing in a market infamously known for hidden throttles and unfulfilled promises.
Local Insight, Global Quality
The founding team combines telecom competence with regional insight. They’ve consumed the frustration of network black‑spots and patchy speeds firsthand. That experience fuels their purpose: drive digital equity through cutting-edge technology and community-grounded delivery.
In a landscape dominated by international giants, VERJ emphasises both local nuance and global-grade tech, ensuring its solutions are built “for Nigeria, by Nigerians.”
Why Nigeria’s Digital Divide Needs Solutions Like VERJ’s
The broader context emphasizes why VERJ matters:
- Rural and non-major urban areas remain wireless deserts. Despite significant investments, nearly 23 million Nigerians—across over 3,000 communities—are offline or poorly connected.
- Africa trails the world in digital penetration. Only 38% of the continent’s population is online, rooted in high costs, limited literacy, and infrastructural gaps.
- Current broadband is neither affordable nor dependable. Entry-level mobile broadband consumes around 4.2% of GNI per capita—double the UN’s recommended 2% threshold—while fixed-line broadband clocks in at about 15%.
- Nigeria’s percentage of 2G users remains high. As of December 2024, 42% of connections were still on 2G, despite only 2.4% being on 5G.
These stats underscore a harsh truth: digital equity across urban-rural divides is still aspirational. VERJ’s model, if successfully scaled, can be part of closing that gap.
Complementing National Infrastructure Plans
VERJ’s mission aligns with Nigeria’s broad broadband vision:
- Project BRIDGE – Aims to expand fibre reach by 90,000 km.
- Project 774, USPF, and others target office connectivity and mobile towers in local governments.
- MVNO regulation – Supports new providers and competitive pressures.
Meanwhile, development bodies like the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) have awarded feasibility grants to Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications—promoting expanded fibre-optic infrastructure for 12 million citizens via a 90,000 km rollout.
VERJ is joining a broader telecommunication revolution—one marrying private sector creativity with public sector infrastructure.
A Scalable Launchpad, Not Just a One-Off
What begins in Port Harcourt is destined to go far:
- Community‑by‑community model – A replicable footprint driven by FTTP/FWA mix and efficient local deployment.
- Partnership roll‑outs – Collaboration with estate owners, local governments, and institutional bodies.
- Planned expansion – From Port Harcourt to the South‑South region and beyond, into other underserved cities and towns.
This blueprint emphasises flexibility: follow demand, deploy quickly, and adapt intelligently.
What’s on the Horizon?
TechCabal labels VERJ a “next‑generation ISP,” and the founders are already exploring:
- 5G readiness – Exploring integration as regulatory frameworks evolve.
- IoT & smart city services – Beyond connectivity, extending services into automation and analytics.
- Education & digital literacy programs – Helping communities maximise the benefit of internet access.
The Digital Revolution’s Real Test
VERJ faces challenges:
- Tough terrain – Deploying fibre and wireless in remote areas takes time and investment.
- Pricing balance – Must sustain affordability while covering operational costs.
- Regulatory consistency – Requires stable policies and efficient right‑of‑way access.
But its local insight and community‑first philosophy equip it well to navigate these issues.
Conclusion
VERJ Technologies is doing more than offering internet packages—it is actively reimagining how Nigerians access the digital sphere. By combining high-speed technology with community-driven strategy and transparent service, it represents a meaningful step toward a more inclusive digital economy.
If successful, VERJ’s expansion could create:
- New economic avenues for individuals and micro-enterprises.
- Remote learning and telehealth in rapidly underserved districts.
- A catalyst for greater digital literacy and opportunity across Nigeria’s heartlands.
As Nigeria accelerates its broadband journey—with both policy infrastructure and private innovation driving forward—VERJ is positioned to make a lasting impact.
What to Watch
- Deployment updates from Port Harcourt—how fast and how well does the service perform?
- User feedback from communities on pricing, speed, stability.
- Expansion phase into other regions—Will Lagos, Kano, or Akure be next?
- Policy support and partnerships—especially with MVNOs and government PPPs.
Get Involved or Learn More
VERJ welcome inquiries from:
- Residents seeking home or business connections.
- Institutions (schools, clinics, NGOs) requesting community coverage.
- Partners interested in expansion, inclusion, or smart infrastructure.
Visit www.verjtech.com.ng or email info@verjtech.com.ng to explore connection options, partnerships, or career opportunities.
Take away:
In a country grappling with connectivity inequity, VERJ Technologies is drawing a roadmap—one grounded in operational transparency, hybrid infrastructure, and true community engagement. By starting in Port Harcourt, it’s proving that innovation for underserved communities is not only possible, but essential.
With multi-stakeholder backing and regulatory momentum, VERJ could spark a tech ecosystem where more Nigerians progress from digital isolation to digital participation — and beyond.
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