Nigeria: FG Reaffirms Commitment to Nationwide Fibre Connectivity Expansion

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to delivering nationwide fibre-based internet connectivity, with a focus on bridging access gaps in rural and underserved communities through its ongoing 90,000km fibre optic infrastructure project.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, restated this commitment during a technology event in Lagos, emphasising that the initiative is central to Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic development agenda.

According to the minister, the large-scale infrastructure rollout is designed to ensure that every region, state, and local community has access to reliable fibre connectivity, significantly improving internet penetration and digital inclusion across the country.

“One of the government’s priority projects is the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide. This will ensure that every part of Nigeria has a point of presence for connectivity, enabling citizens to access reliable internet services regardless of location,” Tijani stated.

He noted that the project is already underway and contributing to improvements in connectivity quality, even as adoption continues to scale. The initiative is expected to support the delivery of RegTech solutions, enhance data privacy, and strengthen compliance technology across sectors reliant on digital infrastructure.

Tijani further highlighted the strategic importance of robust internet connectivity in enabling governments to function effectively in the digital age. He explained that advanced economies leverage strong digital infrastructure to monitor activities, improve governance, and deliver real-time services to citizens.

In contrast, he noted that many developing countries, including Nigeria, have historically lagged due to insufficient investment in technology infrastructure—a gap the current administration is working to close.

The minister added that the fibre expansion project will also enhance national security capabilities by enabling near real-time monitoring of activities across the country. With improved connectivity, government agencies will be better equipped to oversee cross-border movements, coastal operations, and activities along major transport corridors.

This development aligns with broader efforts to strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve regulatory monitoring, and support risk mitigation through advanced digital infrastructure.

Beyond connectivity, the initiative is expected to drive innovation, support digital services, and accelerate economic growth by enabling businesses to adopt compliance management systems, improve regulatory reporting, and leverage compliance automation tools.

As Nigeria continues to expand its digital infrastructure, stakeholders believe the fibre project will play a critical role in advancing financial inclusion, enhancing service delivery, and positioning the country as a competitive player in the global digital economy.