Nigeria: World Bank Pledges $500 Million for Nigeria’s Ambitious Fibre Optic Network Expansion

The World Bank has committed $500 million to support Nigeria’s ambitious plan to expand its fibre optic network by 90,000 kilometers. This development, announced by Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovation, follows a $2 million grant approved by the U.S. government to bolster the project.

Speaking during an interview, Tijani revealed that additional pledges from international donors are expected to help the Nigerian government meet the $2 billion funding requirement for the initiative.

“The World Bank has committed to push us through if everything aligns,” said Tijani. “By the end of Q2 into Q3, we’ll reach the point where we sign and they will release their part.”

Implementation Timeline

Tijani outlined plans to begin trenching and laying the fibre optic infrastructure by the third quarter of the year, targeting September or October. Projects of this scale, he noted, often take 5–6 years to complete.

“My personal ambition is to start digging the ground to lay the fibre networks by Q3,” he added. “90,000km is significant. In some countries, this would take years. To accelerate the process, we are initiating a training program to expand the pool of companies capable of executing this work.”

To ensure efficiency, the government plans to procure specialized civil works equipment to support small businesses in delivering the project.

Economic and Regional Impact

The fibre optic network expansion is expected to significantly improve Internet access across Nigeria, creating jobs and fostering innovation in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and finance. Tijani also emphasized that the project will position Nigeria as a telecommunications hub in the region, enabling the country to provide connectivity support to neighboring nations.

Broader Investments in Technology

This announcement builds on Nigeria’s recent efforts to promote technological advancements. In October 2024, the country secured a ₦2.8 billion grant from Google to boost artificial intelligence (AI) talent development. The expansion of the fibre optic network is expected to create opportunities across industries, drive business growth, and enable a more connected and innovative ecosystem.

With strong commitments from global partners like the World Bank and the U.S. government, Nigeria is poised to become a leader in digital connectivity and innovation within Africa.