By | YOUNG, D
The Federal Government has secured a 100 million euro investment from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support a nationwide fibre optic cable rollout aimed at expanding broadband access across Nigeria.
The investment will fund Project BRIDGE, a large scale infrastructure initiative designed to extend high capacity fibre networks to underserved and unserved parts of the country. The project forms a core pillar of the government’s digital economy strategy.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, confirmed the approval, describing it as a strong signal of international confidence in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure agenda. He said the funding would accelerate efforts to improve connectivity, lower broadband costs, and strengthen the backbone required for digital services.
The EBRD financing adds to earlier commitments secured for the project, including substantial support from the World Bank Group and grant funding from the European Union. Together, the financing package is expected to support the deployment of about 90000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide.
Project BRIDGE is structured through a special purpose vehicle that allows private sector participation alongside government oversight. The model is intended to attract long term investment while ensuring open access to the fibre network for telecom operators and service providers.
According to officials, the funds will be used for network design, construction, and capacity building, with a focus on linking state capitals, major economic corridors, and rural communities. The project is also expected to support job creation and skills development within the telecoms and technology ecosystem.
The fibre rollout is expected to improve internet speed, reliability, and coverage for households, businesses, schools, and public institutions. Analysts say the expanded infrastructure will play a critical role in supporting digital government services, innovation, and economic growth.
With backing from institutions such as the EBRD and the World Bank, the government believes Project BRIDGE will help close Nigeria’s connectivity gap and position the country for sustained digital transformation.
