In a move set to drastically improve internet access across Nigeria, the federal government and the United States have sealed a groundbreaking agreement to lay down 90,000 kilometers of new fibre optic infrastructure, aiming to enhance the nation’s broadband penetration.
Signed on January 10, 2025, during the inaugural US-Nigeria Technology Dialogue in Washington D.C., the $2.1 million grant is a significant step in Nigeria’s quest to modernize its digital infrastructure. The project is designed to align with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan for 2020-2025, with the ambitious goal of increasing broadband access from 42.27% to 70% by the end of the plan’s timeline.
“We are laying the foundation for a digital transformation that will change how Nigerians access critical services like healthcare, education, and business,” said Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani. He expressed optimism that the partnership with the United States would catalyze widespread economic opportunities, especially in remote and underserved regions.
The deal, which was jointly signed by Minister Tijani and U.S. Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell, underscores the growing technological collaboration between the two nations. Campbell, speaking on the significance of the deal, emphasized, “This partnership represents our commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy and empowering the Nigerian people with access to affordable and reliable internet services.”
The expanded fibre optic network will cover vast swaths of the country, from densely populated urban areas to rural regions that have been traditionally underserved in terms of broadband access. By ensuring 90% of Nigeria’s population has reliable internet service, the project is expected to boost productivity, improve educational outcomes, and enable greater participation in the global digital economy.
A Step Toward Technological Sovereignty
This agreement is part of a broader strategy by Nigeria to assert its technological sovereignty and develop its digital economy. In 2020, Nigeria launched its National Broadband Plan, which lays out a roadmap to increase broadband penetration and reduce the digital divide. With the US funding this initiative, Nigeria is poised to achieve its target of 70% broadband penetration, nearly doubling the current rate.
“Internet access is not just about connectivity; it’s about creating new avenues for job creation, innovation, and economic growth,” said Tijani. “This partnership aligns with the government’s drive to foster a knowledge-based economy and close the digital divide that has hindered the full potential of many Nigerians.”
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has been growing steadily, but challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, high costs of access, and limited rural connectivity continue to hamper progress. The new fibre optic network is expected to mitigate these issues by laying the groundwork for a more robust and sustainable digital infrastructure.
The project also holds potential for the expansion of e-government services, digital banking, and telemedicine—areas where reliable internet access is critical. The expansion of broadband will undoubtedly support Nigeria’s efforts to develop its digital economy, positioning it as a leader in the continent’s tech ecosystem.
The Role of the USTDA
The funding for the project comes from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), an agency that works to promote economic growth in developing countries through investments in technology and infrastructure. USTDA’s involvement in the project is part of its broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Nigeria while fostering development through technology.
In its statement, the U.S. Department of State highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, stating, “This project will play a critical role in advancing Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan, helping the country achieve its broadband access goals and increasing its digital capacity.”
A Growing Partnership
The US-Nigeria Technology Dialogue, which served as the backdrop for the signing of the agreement, is part of a larger framework designed to bolster cooperation between the two countries in key technology sectors. The dialogue builds on previous engagements, including high-level discussions between U.S. Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell and Nigerian officials.
Campbell’s visit to Nigeria in 2024 was particularly focused on exploring areas of mutual interest in technology and innovation. During his trip, he participated in a series of events, including the US-Nigeria Binational Commission and the Global Inclusivity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) event held in Lagos.
“The relationship between the United States and Nigeria is at a pivotal moment, especially in the technology space. This initiative is a testament to our ongoing commitment to working together to solve global challenges,” Campbell remarked during the signing ceremony.
The fibre optic deal is not the first of its kind between the two countries. The U.S. has been a key partner in Nigeria’s technology sector for years, with previous projects focused on everything from expanding internet infrastructure to providing technical assistance for regulatory improvements.
The Economic Implications
While the immediate focus is on expanding broadband coverage, the long-term economic impact of this project is expected to be substantial. A reliable internet infrastructure can drive growth in several key industries, including e-commerce, financial services, and agriculture.
Nigeria’s burgeoning tech startups stand to benefit from increased access to high-speed internet, which will facilitate innovation and improve competitiveness. Moreover, sectors like education and healthcare will be transformed, as digital solutions become more accessible to a broader population.
With Nigeria’s young population and rising tech talent, the expansion of broadband is poised to unlock new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. As more people gain access to the internet, they will be able to tap into the growing digital economy, which has been largely driven by mobile technology and online platforms.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding the project, several challenges remain. The country’s existing broadband infrastructure is often plagued by issues such as poor maintenance and inconsistent service quality, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, the high cost of data access remains a barrier for many Nigerians, especially those in low-income communities.
Experts warn that while the new fibre optic network will be an important step forward, the success of the project will depend on sustained investments in both infrastructure and regulatory improvements. The Nigerian government must also focus on reducing the cost of broadband services to ensure that the benefits of increased access are felt across all socioeconomic segments.
