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According to Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the Federal Government of Nigeria has committed to funding 50% of an ambitious $2 billion fiber optic project aimed at expanding the country’s digital infrastructure.
Dr. Tijani announced the plan to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, increasing Nigeria’s current fiber network from 35,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometers. This initiative is set to position Nigeria as having the third-longest terrestrial fiber optic backbone in Africa, following Egypt and South Africa.
“The timeline for the project is ambitious yet realistic,” Dr. Tijani said. “The government aims to begin deployment within the next six months, with an 18-month fundraising period to finalize all financing arrangements.” While acknowledging the challenges of gaining immediate recognition for such a large-scale initiative, the Minister remains confident about its transformative impact on Nigeria’s digital economy.
In an interview with Arise TV, Dr. Tijani revealed that the Federal Government will cover $1 billion of the project’s cost, with the remaining $1 billion expected to come from private sector investments secured by 2025.
Enhancing Connectivity Across Nigeria
This funding strategy underscores the government’s commitment to improving connectivity nationwide, especially in underserved rural areas where internet access remains limited. Dr. Tijani emphasized that the public-private partnership model will ensure the project’s financial viability and efficient completion.
The primary goal of the fiber optic initiative is to increase internet penetration to over 70% and reduce access costs by more than 60%. The project is expected to bridge the digital divide, foster economic growth, create jobs, and drive technological advancements in Nigeria.
International support for the project includes backing from global partners such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank. These collaborations are crucial for securing the funding and resources necessary to implement the fiber optic network. “We are working diligently to secure the investments needed to bring this vision to life,” Dr. Tijani stated.
He further noted the immense value of investing in fiber optic infrastructure, which will provide connectivity to communities that have long been underserved. “This isn’t just about extending fiber length; it’s about closing the digital gap between urban and rural areas,” he explained. Improved connectivity will stimulate economic growth, enhance education and healthcare access, and potentially raise Nigeria’s GDP by up to 1.5% per capita over the next four years.
Addressing Challenges
Despite the project’s promising prospects, stakeholders in the ICT sector have expressed concerns about potential obstacles. Chief among these is the issue of Right of Way (RoW) regulations across Nigeria’s 36 states. Analysts emphasize the need for the Federal Government to collaborate with state governments to streamline infrastructure deployment processes to ensure the project’s success.
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