Nigeria to build 90000 km fiber network with 51% private funding aiming 1.35% GDP boost per 10% connectivity gain

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has outlined a transformative infrastructure project to expand digital connectivity across the country. The initiative involves deploying 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable to ensure nationwide access to high-speed internet, a move designed to bridge the digital divide and stimulate economic growth. The project, endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Finance Minister Wale Edun, emphasizes the integration of physical and digital infrastructure to enhance connectivity in homes, schools, hospitals, and offices across all 36 states and five federal capital territories [1].

Tijani emphasized that the project’s architecture includes strategically designed fiber rings covering all geopolitical zones and states, ensuring equitable access to high-speed connectivity. “Every state is properly covered,” he stated, noting that the network will extend to critical public institutions while enabling last-mile connectivity to households [1]. The initiative is structured through a public-private partnership, with 51% of funding secured from private sector stakeholders. This model, according to Tijani, ensures financial sustainability and avoids reliance on non-recoverable loans [1]. The World Bank is assisting in structuring the investment, while the government has established a special purpose vehicle to oversee construction and operations [1].

The minister underscored the economic rationale for the project, citing studies indicating that a 10% improvement in connectivity could drive 1.35% growth in GDP. “Digital connectivity is the bedrock of societal progress,” he emphasized, linking it to Nigeria’s creative economy, smart agriculture, and healthcare systems. For instance, precision farming and digital education tools require robust infrastructure to realize their potential [1]. Tijani also expressed optimism about the project’s timeline, stating that final designs will be released within one to two months, with physical implementation expected to commence by year-end [1].

The initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader agenda to modernize infrastructure and position Nigeria as a competitive global economy. By addressing the current limitations of connectivity quality and availability, the government aims to unlock opportunities for innovation and productivity. However, challenges remain, including the need to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and ensure that rural areas benefit equitably. While the emphasis on private sector participation reflects a prudent fiscal approach, the long-term success of the project will depend on execution efficiency and alignment with broader digital inclusion goals [1].

Source: [1] [title1: “We’d like to fix this”: Minister Tijani insists on infrastructure-tied better connectivity] [url1: https://technext24.com/2025/07/24/minister-tijani-insists-on-connectivity/]. [2] [title2: Twitter post by Daddy D.O] [url2: https://twitter.com/DOlusegun/status/1683000000000000000].