By 
By Osasome C.O
Nigeria Secures Funding for Historic Fibre Optic Expansion
The Federal Government has secured the funding required to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure across Nigeria, a landmark investment aimed at transforming the country’s digital backbone and accelerating economic growth.
RELATED: Nigeria to channel $460m of World Bank loan into national fibre company for 90,000km broadband rollout
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during an event marking Global Privacy Day, organised by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC). He said the fibre rollout is a core pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to build a $1 trillion economy anchored on shared prosperity, innovation, and digital inclusion.
Fibre Infrastructure as Catalyst for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The ambitious fibre project, first announced in August 2025, is designed to expand Nigeria’s fibre optic backbone from 35,000km to 125,000km, significantly improving broadband penetration, service quality, and affordability.
“We will connect 90,000 kilometres of fibre. It is not just a dream. I’ve actually completed about 60 per cent of the work, and the funding for the project has been secured,” Tijani said.
Once completed within three to five years, the project is expected to unlock productivity across key sectors including fintech, e-commerce, health, education, manufacturing, creative industries, and public services—strengthening Nigeria’s position as West Africa’s largest digital economy.
Strong Backing from Global Development Partners
Nigeria’s fibre expansion is drawing strong international support, with development finance institutions such as the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), and Islamic Development Bank backing the initiative.
Under the $2 billion Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth (BRIDGE) Project, the World Bank has already approved $500 million in financing. The government has commenced the financial advisory process to structure the project and appoint a transaction adviser.
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be established to oversee nationwide deployment across 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government holding a 49 per cent stake in a majority privately owned and managed project company, according to a World Bank financing agreement dated January 20, 2026.
Job Creation, Investment and National Competitiveness
Beyond connectivity, the fibre rollout is projected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, attract foreign direct investment, and lower the cost of doing business by enabling reliable, high-speed internet nationwide.
By deepening digital access in underserved and rural areas, the project will also support financial inclusion, digital skills development, SME growth, and youth entrepreneurship, reinforcing Nigeria’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Rural Connectivity, Satellites and Resilient Networks
In addition to fibre deployment, Tijani outlined other priority initiatives, including the rollout of 4,000 telecom towers in rural communities under the MilCAP programme, and plans to procure two new communication satellites.
“Nigeria is currently the only country in West Africa with a known communication satellite. We are being given a head start to procure two additional ones to connect every part of our nation and even neighbouring countries,” the minister said.
These investments are expected to strengthen network resilience, improve national security, and extend digital services to hard-to-reach areas.
Protecting Fibre Infrastructure as a National Economic Asset
As investment in fibre scales up, protecting digital infrastructure has become a national priority. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has partnered with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to combat telecom-related crimes, particularly frequent fibre cuts linked to construction and roadworks.
According to reports, more than 50,000 fibre cut incidents were recorded in 2024, with about 30,000 linked to government road projects. Despite recent measures, vandalism persists, with one major operator reporting over 9,200 fibre cuts in 2025 alone.
Since August 2024, telecommunications infrastructure—including fibre optics—has been designated Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), making vandalism a criminal offence. Industry stakeholders say safeguarding these assets is crucial to ensuring the success of Nigeria’s $2 billion fibre investment and its broader economic benefits.
Laying the Foundation for a $1 Trillion Economy
Analysts say the 90,000km fibre project represents more than infrastructure—it is the foundation for Nigeria’s digital future, supporting innovation, data-driven governance, regional connectivity, and inclusive growth.
If effectively deployed and protected, the initiative could redefine Nigeria’s economic trajectory, positioning the country as a continental digital hub and a major player in the global digital economy.
