World Bank Supports Nigeria’s 90,000km Fibre-Optic Broadband Rollout
By DAYO ADESULU
In a major boost to Nigeria’s digital economy, the World Bank has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s plan to build a 90,000km national fibre-optic backbone. This move is designed to improve broadband infrastructure and drive inclusive digital access across the country. The rollout, one of the most ambitious on the continent, expands Nigeria’s broadband backbone from 35,000km to a total of 125,000km.
President Tinubu’s Reforms Receive Global Endorsement
Speaking after a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, the World Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, Anshula Kant, praised Nigeria’s bold macroeconomic reforms. Kant described the nation as a “very, very valuable and important partner” and highlighted the digital infrastructure plan as a central element of the World Bank’s cooperation with Nigeria.
“We are working very closely together. One of the largest projects we’re supporting is in the digital space — delivering broadband access across the country,” she noted.
Keyword Focus: Nigeria’s Fibre-Optic Backbone Expansion
At the heart of this development lies the expansion of Nigeria’s fibre-optic backbone, a project structured as a self-financing special-purpose vehicle (SPV). The goal is to provide fibre-based broadband access to homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses nationwide.
The Federal Government will take a minority stake, while the private sector will supply 51% of the total investment. The World Bank, along with other development partners, is expected to contribute at least $500 million to jumpstart the project.
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Digital Infrastructure Key to Nigeria’s Growth
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the broadband project as a once-in-a-generation infrastructure initiative.
“We can’t become smarter with agriculture, scale education, or deliver modern healthcare without good connectivity,” he said. “This is an investment that will keep giving.”
The infrastructure will ring every geopolitical zone in the country, ensuring fibre reaches local neighborhoods. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2025, once detailed route maps are finalized.
Why This Fibre-Optic Rollout Matters
Digital infrastructure is the foundation of a modern economy. Currently, Nigerians frequently complain about poor connectivity, a challenge directly tied to the weak underlying infrastructure. The World Bank believes that improving broadband coverage will enhance digital inclusion, generate jobs, and boost economic output.
According to studies, every 10% increase in broadband penetration can lead to a 1.35% increase in GDP. For a country with a large youth population, high mobile adoption, and increasing digital reliance, this project could be transformative.
World Bank’s Broader Engagement in Nigeria
Currently, the World Bank runs a $9 billion portfolio in Nigeria, spanning sectors such as:
- Power sector reform ($1.5 billion)
- Adolescent girls’ education ($700 million)
- Rural roads development ($500 million)
- Social protection and healthcare projects
Kant confirmed that future projects will target agribusiness value chains, renewable energy, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through concessional financing.
Finance Minister: “It’s Viable, It’s Private-Led”
Speaking on the viability of the fibre-optic project, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, explained that the SPV structure ensures that the private sector can recover investments through user fees, without relying on unsustainable government debt.
“It is geared towards the sector which will use the facility, pay for it, and make the project viable,” Edun said.
Timeline and Next Steps
With design work completed, the public route map will be released within the next two months. This will pave the way for groundbreaking work by the end of 2025.
The rollout aims to address existing gaps, ensuring no state or community is left behind. The government is confident that the investment will boost Nigeria’s digital GDP, improve productivity across sectors, and reduce dependency on imported digital infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Fibre Coverage | 35,000km expanding to 125,000km |
| Private Sector Role | 51% funding contribution |
| World Bank Contribution | $500 million (initial) |
| Key Benefits | Jobs, GDP growth, digital access, education, healthcare |
| Start Date | End of 2025 |
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
With the World Bank backing Nigeria’s fibre-optic backbone project, the country is poised for a digital transformation. The broadband infrastructure will not only enhance connectivity but also serve as a catalyst for innovation, productivity, and economic growth.
As Nigeria continues its journey towards digital excellence, the collaboration between the public sector, private investors, and international partners represents a bold step toward securing a smarter, inclusive, and prosperous digital future.
