7.2.2 Objectives i. To facilitate and support development of efficient and secure nationwide ICT infrastructure that will support national broadband connectivity and accelerate socio-economic development; ii. To connect all Federal & State networks to a National fiber backbone; and iii. To provide reliable, accessible, secure and reasonably priced ICT connectivity to national and international ICT Infrastructure. 7.2.3 Strategies The Government will: i. Encourage the upgrading and expansion of ICT infrastructure; ii. Support the accelerated deployment of fiber optic and wireless backbone infrastructure that ensures high bandwidth availability, and universal access throughout the country; iii. Encourage the development and interconnection of all National Databases; iv. Coordinate the integration of national e-Government network infrastructure and services; v. Ensure appropriate security for ICT infrastructure nationwide; vi. Advocate the acceleration of the ongoing power sector reforms which are critical to the development of the ICT industry; vii. Facilitate expedient access to Rights of Way (ROW) over public land, and access to other state-owned infrastructural resources; and viii. Provide institutional support for addressing the incidence of multiple taxation and regulation in the ICT sector. 7.3 Internet and Broadband Internet and Broadband have been globally acknowledged as a critical pillar for transformation to a knowledge-based economy. It is also widely acknowledged that broadband infrastructure is an enabler for economic and social growth in the digital economy. Broadband has the potential of enabling entire new industries, and introducing significant efficiencies into education delivery, health care provision, energy management, public safety, government/citizen interaction, and the overall organization and dissemination of knowledge, and distribution of wealth. !"#$%&"'()*+(,%'$-.(/(0120( ( ( ,"34(0;(