ABUJA — The Federal Government has accelerated plans to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable across Nigeria by 2028, in a major infrastructure project designed to improve internet access, strengthen digital connectivity and support economic growth.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed the revised timeline for the nationwide rollout of Project BRIDGE, short for Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth.
The project aims to expand Nigeria’s national fibre backbone, improve internet speed and reliability, and extend broadband connectivity to communities and institutions that remain underserved.
According to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the initiative will increase the country’s fibre infrastructure and provide a foundation for wider access to digital services. citeturn291857search0turn291857search1
Government Revises Project Timeline
The Federal Government has reduced the project’s planned delivery period from five years to three years, with completion targeted for 2028.
Tijani announced the revised timeline in September 2026, explaining that the government intended to accelerate the deployment of the national fibre network.
The project is expected to extend the country’s existing fibre backbone by 90,000 kilometres, bringing the planned national backbone to approximately 120,000 to 125,000 kilometres, depending on the infrastructure baseline used.
The government has identified improved connectivity as a key requirement for expanding digital services, supporting businesses and reducing barriers to internet access in rural and underserved areas. citeturn291857search1turn291857search5
Project BRIDGE Targets Underserved Communities
Project BRIDGE is designed to extend high-speed broadband infrastructure beyond major commercial centres and administrative cities.
The network is expected to connect all 774 local government areas, including schools, healthcare facilities, commercial hubs, agricultural zones and rural communities.
Improved connectivity could help schools access digital learning resources, enable hospitals to use online health information systems and allow businesses to adopt digital payment platforms and other internet-based services.
The project is also expected to improve the reliability of telecommunications infrastructure by creating a more extensive national backbone that service providers can use to expand their networks.
However, the availability of fibre infrastructure alone will not guarantee affordable internet access. Last-mile connections, electricity supply, service-provider investment and the cost of data will also influence the benefits households and businesses experience.
$2bn Project Attracts Development Financing
The nationwide fibre rollout is estimated to cost approximately $2bn and will operate under a public-private partnership structure.
The African Development Bank has approved a $200m loan for the project, while the World Bank has committed $500m and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has approved $100m.
These commitments form part of an estimated $800m sovereign financing package, with the government seeking additional private-sector investment to cover the remaining project costs. A €22m European Union grant will also support the initiative. citeturn291857search5turn291857search4turn291857search2
The government has incorporated Bridge Open Access as the company established to help deliver the national fibre network and move the project towards implementation.
The partnership model is intended to combine public investment with private-sector participation in developing and operating the infrastructure. citeturn291857search6turn291857search0
Digital Economy Expected To Benefit
The government expects the project to stimulate investment, create jobs and support businesses that depend on reliable internet services.
Better broadband connectivity could benefit technology startups, online retailers, financial service providers, educational institutions and healthcare organisations.
The project also seeks to improve digital inclusion by reaching communities where inadequate infrastructure has limited access to online services and economic opportunities.
For small businesses, more reliable internet access could improve communication with customers, facilitate electronic transactions and create opportunities to reach markets outside their immediate locations.
Implementation Remains Key Challenge
Despite the project’s ambitious targets, successful implementation will depend on timely construction, funding, coordination with state governments and access to rights-of-way for laying fibre cables.
The government will also need to ensure that the network reaches underserved communities rather than concentrating investment in locations that already have strong connectivity.
As the rollout progresses, implementation milestones and the number of communities connected will provide clearer indications of whether Project BRIDGE is delivering on its objectives.
If completed as planned, the 90,000-kilometre expansion could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and provide a stronger foundation for broader internet access by 2028.
