The Federal Government says the rollout of a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic network is set to begin in a few weeks under Project BRIDGE, its flagship digital infrastructure programme aimed at expanding nationwide broadband access. The Special Purpose Vehicle set to oversee construction was expected to be legally incorporated by July 31.
Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani said, after a meeting with President Tinubu on Tuesday, that all resource mobilisation and contractual processes for the nationwide fibre project have been concluded, paving the way for physical deployment.
The project, if successful, will increase Nigeria’s fibre backbone to about 125,000 kilometres, connecting all 774 local government areas and improving internet access, digital services and economic growth. Around 90km of fibre cables will need to be laid daily across six construction zones to meet a 2030 target.
The rollout will mark the implementation phase of a programme, partly funded by the World Bank, announced earlier to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure. Financing stands at $1.6 billion, including $500 million from the World Bank, $1.1 billion from private investors, and contributions from the African Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa. BADEA.
Tijani said the initiative will be complemented by 3,700 new telecom towers to extend connectivity to underserved communities. He also announced that a new national alphanumeric postcode system will be launched on October 1 to improve logistics, emer
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