By Epiphanus Obia
Play Network Africa has partnered with European smart technology firm MediaKing to deploy what could become one of Nigeria’s largest high-density public Wi-Fi networks, beginning with Lagos and Abuja.
The initiative marks MediaKing’s entry into Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy and reflects growing international interest in the country’s connectivity infrastructure. The company is collaborating with Play Network Africa to deliver thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots across high-traffic public areas, including markets, transport hubs, commercial centres, schools and hospitals.
Under the rollout plan, between 5,000 and 10,000 hotspots are expected to be deployed in each major city. The project is aimed at addressing persistent connectivity gaps in densely populated urban areas where internet access remains inconsistent or unaffordable for many users.
MediaKing said its expansion into Nigeria builds on its experience in European cities such as Split, where it previously deployed a large-scale public Wi-Fi network across busy public locations. According to the company, the system is designed to maintain stable performance even under heavy usage by relying on infrastructure built for high demand.
The free-to-use model will be supported by an integrated digital platform that allows brands, institutions and government agencies to engage directly with users. Revenue will be generated through advertising, enterprise services and institutional partnerships, a structure the company says is intended to ensure long-term sustainability without charging end users.
Chief Executive Officer of MediaKing Nigeria, Afam Anyika, said the initiative is expected to create economic opportunities beyond connectivity, including job creation and local capacity development through the training of engineers and technical personnel.
The rollout comes as Nigeria continues to position itself as a leading digital hub in Africa, with increasing investment in broadband infrastructure seen as critical to economic growth. Analysts say initiatives focused on high-density public connectivity could play a significant role in improving digital inclusion, particularly in underserved urban communities.
If successfully implemented, the MediaKing–Play Network partnership could provide a scalable model for free public Wi-Fi deployment across other African cities, expanding access to digital services in sectors such as education, commerce and healthcare.