The Nigerian government is taking significant steps towards improving the country’s digital infrastructure by investing in a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic cable project.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, recently revealed that the government plans to provide half of the required $2 billion for this ambitious project.
Dr. Tijani made this disclosure during a live appearance on Arise TV on Friday, explaining that the government’s contribution would be sourced through loans.
The 90,000km fibre project is part of the government’s broader plan to improve national connectivity and support the growing digital economy.
The government is set to contribute just under $1 billion to the project, with the rest of the funds expected to come from private companies.
This move aligns with the government’s plan to borrow funds in 2025, as part of its funding strategy for key infrastructural projects.
Dr. Tijani said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had already approved the establishment of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to oversee the deployment of the fibre optic cables across the country.
While the SPV will be managed privately, the government will hold a stake in the venture, with a government representative on its board.
The project has received strong backing from President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Finance, with both parties providing support to ensure its success.
The Minister also highlighted the progress made in securing funding partners, noting that the World Bank has expressed interest in providing financial support for the initiative.
Dr. Tijani shared that work on the project is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025, with the government aiming to begin digging for the cable installation.
The 90,000km of fibre cables will help improve connectivity across Nigeria, particularly in underserved areas.
According to Dr. Tijani, the government’s investment in the fibre project is crucial to addressing Nigeria’s ongoing connectivity challenges.
Many Nigerians have expressed frustration with poor internet service, especially in rural and remote areas, where private operators have been reluctant to invest.
The Minister explained that private companies typically focus on areas with higher returns on investment, leaving rural areas underserved.
To address this, the government has chosen to invest in the digital backbone infrastructure to ensure all Nigerians have access to quality internet service, regardless of their location.
Dr. Tijani noted that relying solely on private companies to expand the network would not deliver results quickly enough, as businesses are hesitant to invest without short-term financial returns.
He pointed to examples from progressive countries where the government has taken an active role in developing digital infrastructure to benefit the public.
The 90,000km fibre optic network will not only improve internet speeds but also create a more reliable digital environment for businesses, schools, and government services.
Dr. Tijani emphasized that this project is a long-term investment in Nigeria’s future, which will support economic growth and job creation in the digital sector.
The Minister also stressed that the government must play a key role in this process, given the importance of connectivity to the modern economy.
The fibre project forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to develop its digital economy, which is expected to contribute significantly to national growth in the coming years.
Dr. Tijani explained that with the increasing importance of digital technologies, reliable internet connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for every Nigerian.
He argued that just as the government invests in roads and power, it must also invest in the digital infrastructure that supports modern life.
The government’s intervention in the fibre project is expected to have a far-reaching impact, particularly in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Once completed, the fibre network will enable faster and more reliable internet access, fostering innovation, education, and economic activity across Nigeria.
Dr. Tijani concluded by reiterating that the fibre project is an essential step towards building a robust digital economy that can compete on the global stage.
While the project is still in its early stages, the Minister remains optimistic about the long-term benefits it will bring to Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy.
The deployment of 90,000km of fibre optic cables is a bold and necessary move to strengthen Nigeria’s digital backbone and support its ambitions to become a leading player in the global digital economy.
This fibre initiative is expected to enhance internet access, reduce communication costs, and create new opportunities for businesses and individuals across the country.
As Nigeria embarks on this ambitious project, the government hopes to address the country’s connectivity challenges and lay the foundation for a more digitally inclusive future.
In addition to the government’s financial contribution, Dr. Tijani confirmed that private companies will also play a key role in providing the remaining funding for the project.
This partnership between the public and private sectors will be critical in ensuring the success of the fibre optic project and the expansion of connectivity across the country.
As work begins on the project in 2025, all eyes will be on the government’s efforts to transform Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and ensure all citizens can benefit from improved internet connectivity.
The fibre project promises to deliver much-needed improvements to Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, boosting economic growth and improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
