The Nigerian government has committed to investing half of the $2 billion needed for the country’s ambitious 90,000-kilometer fiber optic cable project aimed at improving digital connectivity nationwide. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, announced the government’s financing plan during an appearance on Arise TV on Friday.
The government’s contribution, amounting to just under $1 billion, will be secured through loans as part of the country’s borrowing plans for 2025. This project, which received approval earlier this year from the Federal Executive Council (FEC), aims to address Nigeria’s connectivity challenges by establishing a nationwide fiber optic backbone. The remaining funding will come from private sector partners, including major companies and international organizations such as the World Bank, who have shown interest in supporting the initiative.
Tijani emphasized the importance of government investment in infrastructure to improve service quality. He explained that while private companies, such as mobile network operators, typically focus their investments on high-return areas, many parts of Nigeria have been left with inadequate or poor connectivity. The government’s initiative is designed to fill this gap by providing nationwide infrastructure, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to reliable digital services.
“Connectivity is now clearly an important resource that every citizen should have access to, regardless of where you find yourself,” Tijani said, stressing that the government’s involvement would bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive economic growth. He also noted that the initiative would be managed by a special purpose vehicle (SPV), which will operate as a private entity but include government representatives on its board.
The Minister revealed that the government is targeting the start of construction for the project in the second quarter of 2025, with the laying of cables expected to begin soon after funding and logistical arrangements are finalized. The fiber optic network will serve as the backbone for Nigeria’s growing digital economy, facilitating better internet access, improving quality of service, and driving economic development in the long term.
