Nigeria is marking a new chapter in its digital infrastructure journey after the Federal Government successfully secured a $100 million investment from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support the rollout of fibre-optic broadband across the country. This development, revealed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, signals strengthened global confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions and adds to earlier support from international partners.
In a statement shared on social media at the end of an intensive international investment tour, Tijani confirmed that the EBRD Board had formally approved the financing to help Nigeria deliver on its nationwide broadband expansion plan. The funding is part of the government’s strategic Project BRIDGE initiative aimed at closing the digital divide and extending reliable internet access to all Nigerians.
The minister highlighted that this latest backing comes in addition to the $500 million financing earlier secured from the World Bank Group, further strengthening the financial package for the fibre-optic push. Beyond infrastructure, the new funds include targeted allocations to enhance digital public services and grow technical talent through the 3 Million Technical Talent Nigeria programme.
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Renewed Global Backing Through EBRD Support for Nigeria’s Tech Infrastructure
The EBRD’s investment is a milestone for Nigeria’s digital transformation plan. It is designed to finance a Special Purpose Vehicle responsible for deploying approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable across the nation, connecting underserved areas and enhancing broadband capacity. This massive network expansion is expected to support faster, more dependable connectivity for businesses, institutions and households.
International partners have been drawing closer to Nigeria’s tech agenda in recent months. Alongside the EBRD’s loan, the European Union has injected further support through a €45 million digital economy package, which includes a €22 million grant specifically earmarked for Project BRIDGE and additional funds for digital public services and technical skills development.
This partnership effort builds on Nigeria’s formal membership of the EBRD, marking one of the bank’s first major sovereign engagements in the country. It reflects not only confidence in Project BRIDGE’s design but also in Nigeria’s broader push to modernise its digital infrastructure and prepare for future economic opportunities.
Transformational Impact of Nationwide Fibre Expansion
Nigeria’s broadband penetration has lagged behind global benchmarks, largely due to limited infrastructure in rural and underserved communities. Less than half of the population currently enjoys reliable broadband access, underscoring the critical need for expanded fibre routes that can bridge the connectivity gap.
The EBRD funding is structured to ensure that broadband services become more affordable and accessible, particularly in areas where commercial network deployment has stalled. By de-risking investment through sovereign backing, the project aims to crowd in private sector capital and expertise, unlocking opportunities for wider participation in the rollout.
Once fully operational, the fibre network is expected to underpin economic diversification, fuel productivity growth among micro, small and medium enterprises, and enhance the delivery of digital public services, especially in critical sectors such as education and health. These outcomes align with the Federal Government’s digital economy goals and broader development priorities.
But the transformation extends beyond connectivity. The investment prioritises capacity building and job creation. With a strong focus on training and technical development, local talent will be equipped to support future digital ventures. This commitment to skills development positions Nigeria to benefit from the global digital economy while strengthening its internal tech ecosystem.
Strategic Partnerships and Forward Momentum
Achieving nationwide connectivity requires more than financial commitments. Over the past weeks, Dr Tijani led a focused investment tour across several European countries to secure interest and partnership from international development institutions, private investors and technology stakeholders. These engagements underscore Nigeria’s proactive approach to building a collaborative framework for infrastructure delivery.
Project BRIDGE was initially launched with the primary aim of attracting private sector financing and expertise through a well-structured SPV model. The success so far in garnering substantial backing from global partners suggests growing belief in the project’s sustainability and its potential to deliver meaningful outcomes for Nigerians in both urban and rural communities.
Beyond funding, the project’s design emphasises adherence to multinational standards of quality, security and open access, setting a strong precedent for future public-private collaboration in the ICT sector. These principles are expected to enhance the efficiency of service delivery while maintaining competitive access for smaller players in the digital space.
Nigeria’s evolving digital infrastructure landscape is not only a response to local demand but also a key component of the country’s pursuit of economic growth. By securing strategic investments and aligning with global partners, the Federal Government is positioning Nigeria to take advantage of new technology trends and opportunities, from remote work and e-commerce to digital public services and innovation hubs.
The progress achieved so far, including the recent $100 million backing, sends a strong message that Nigeria is ready to scale its digital capacity and build the foundation for a future where reliable connectivity is a reality for all citizens.
In the coming months, attention will turn to implementation and ensuring that the funding translates into tangible results on the ground. If successful, Nigeria’s broadband expansion could transform the way people live, learn, and work across the nation, enhancing competitiveness and laying the groundwork for long-term economic resilience.
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