The federal government and the World Bank have joined forces to secure a $3 billion investment aimed at enhancing broadband infrastructure and connectivity in the country.
This collaboration seeks to deploy an additional 120,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables across the country, significantly expanding access to digital services.
Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, made this announcement during a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja themed ‘Realising a Nigerian Vision of Broadband for All.’ He expressed optimism about raising the funds within the next two to three years, emphasising the involvement of private sector stakeholders in the project, which is expected to be completed within three years.
Highlighting the importance of investing in Nigeria’s digital backbone, Dr. Tijani stressed the need for affordable and quality access to the digital space for all citizens, irrespective of their locations. He underscored the critical role of fibre optic cables in facilitating internet connectivity and digital services, noting that while Nigeria has laid 3,035 kilometres of fibre optic cables, an additional 120,000 kilometres are required to ensure efficient access nationwide.
Mr. Franz Drees-Gross, the World Bank Regional Director for Infrastructure in West and Central Africa, provided insights into the project’s first phase, which involves laying 95,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables across Nigeria. He emphasised that this initiative would enhance access to digital services and content, describing Nigeria’s digital ecosystem as vibrant and expressing the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the country in securing the necessary funds.
Mr. Drees-Gross highlighted plans to establish a digital National Broadband fund and deploy middle-mile cables to expand broadband coverage in Nigeria. He praised Nigeria’s potential to become a regional hub for digital services and reiterated the World Bank’s interest in facilitating the project’s financing.
