Nigeria is taking another step towards expanding its digital backbone. The Federal Government has secured a $200 million loan to support a nationwide fibre rollout.
The funding comes from the African Development Bank Group. It will help finance a major infrastructure project aimed at improving broadband access.
The project, known as Project BRIDGE, focuses on expanding Nigeria’s fibre network. It is designed to grow the country’s backbone from about 30,000 kilometres to 120,000 kilometres.
Once completed, the initiative is expected to reach all 774 local government areas. This could significantly improve internet access across both urban and rural communities.
Fibre project funding gathers global backing
The Nigeria fibre project is not relying on one source alone. The $200 million loan forms part of a wider financing plan.
According to the AfDB, the total sovereign package stands at $800 million. This includes $500 million from the World Bank and $100 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Overall, the project is valued at about $2 billion. Additional support includes a €22 million grant from the European Union and private sector investments of at least $1.2 billion.
The initiative, formally called the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment project, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.
Abdul Kamara, Director General of the AfDB Nigeria Office, highlighted its impact. “Nigeria has the talent, the market, and the ambition; what it has lacked is the backbone infrastructure to connect that potential to opportunity.”
He added that the project will expand access nationwide. “From the north to the south… this investment will make high-speed connectivity a reality for every Nigerian community.”
What this means for jobs and connectivity
Beyond infrastructure, the Nigeria fibre project is expected to drive economic growth. Estimates suggest it could create up to 2.8 million jobs over time.
At the same time, broadband penetration may rise from 45% to about 70% by 2030. This could improve access to digital services, education, and business tools.
Earlier, Nigeria’s Communications Minister, Bosun Tijani, confirmed additional funding efforts. “These approvals are deeply reassuring as we reflect on the hard work… to secure the partnerships required to deploy 90,000km of fibre across Nigeria.”
The project will also link Nigeria to neighbouring countries such as Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. This could strengthen regional connectivity and trade.
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