The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to deploy over 90,000 kilometres of open-access fibre across the 36 states by 2028. This initiative aims to increase Nigeria's combined backbone from about 35,000km to around 125,000km, connecting over 200,000 schools, health facilities, and other public institutions. National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, disclosed this during a virtual executive session with Chief Executive Officers of the Information Technology industry.
According to Yilwatda, digital infrastructure is fundamental to Nigeria's economic transformation. He noted that ambitions in Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, digital inclusion, and a technology-driven economy cannot be achieved without robust and affordable connectivity. The Federal Government's Project BRIDGE, designed to deploy 90,000km of open-access fibre, is one of the most significant interventions in Nigeria's digital space.
The Federal Government incorporated Bridge Open Access in August as an independent company to deliver the network. The government, through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), will hold between 25 and 49 per cent equity, while private investors will hold 51 to 75 per cent and retain operational control. This structure was deliberately designed to ensure government provides de-risking and strategic support while the private sector brings operational discipline, investment, and efficiency.
Yilwatda disclosed that about $800 million in sovereign financing had been secured for the project. This includes $500 million from the World Bank, $100 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and $200 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB), in addition to a €22 million grant from the European Union. Physical rollout will commence in October 2026, with the delivery period reduced from five years to three years and completion targeted for 2028.
However, Yilwatda cautioned that success depends on implementation beyond policy announcements. He stated that about $1.2 billion is still required from private capital to complete financing. Fibre deployment alone would not translate into digital inclusion without complementary investments in electricity, affordable devices, data services, towers, backhaul, and last-mile connectivity.
Yilwatda identified right-of-way charges and inconsistent regulatory requirements as major impediments to digital infrastructure development. He called for stronger collaboration between political leadership, governments at all levels, and the private sector to remove obstacles slowing digital infrastructure. The APC Chairman announced that the APC National Secretariat will work with the Progressive Governors' Forum and APC state chapters to promote harmonised and cost-reflective right-of-way terms and protect telecom infrastructure in APC-governed states.
Yilwatda also proposed that every federal and state road contract should incorporate provisions for telecom ducts and require contractors to identify and protect existing fibre before excavation. He commended the Federal Ministries of Works and Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for inaugurating a Standing Committee on the Protection of Fibre Optic Cables, but urged extension to states and local governments.
Key points
- The project aims to increase Nigeria's combined backbone from 35,000km to 125,000km.
- $800 million in sovereign financing has been secured for the project.
- The project is expected to be completed by 2028.
