Nigeria is launching a massive 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic deployment to expand its national digital backbone and enhance connectivity across the country. The project, managed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), aims to raise Nigeria’s fibre infrastructure from roughly 35,000 km to 125,000 km, positioning it as the third-longest terrestrial fibre network in Africa, behind South Africa and Egypt.
The World Bank has committed $500 million, the African Development Bank another $200 million, with additional support from the Islamic Development Bank. Launch is set for Q4 2025, and the rollout is expected to span three to five years.
Once operational, the expanded fibre network is expected to connect underserved communities, lower internet costs by more than 60%, increase broadband penetration, and boost GDP growth by 1.5% per capita. Stakeholders stress that for success, the federal government must address obstacles like Right of Way (RoW) charges, vandalism, and tax barriers imposed by state-level authorities.
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