World Bank backs Nigeria’s 90,000km fiber-optic network expansion to boost GDP via improved broadband

Nigeria has received formal backing from the World Bank for its 90,000km fibre-optic network project, a strategic move to overhaul the country’s digital infrastructure and bridge the national connectivity gap. The initiative, which will expand Nigeria’s existing 35,000km fibre network to 125,000km, is structured as a self-financing special-purpose vehicle (SPV) to ensure long-term sustainability without burdening public finances [1]. Private investors will hold a 51% stake in the project, while the World Bank and other development partners are expected to contribute at least $500 million. The Federal Government’s minority ownership underscores the public-private partnership model, aligning with Communications Minister Bosun Tijani’s characterization of the effort as a “once-and-for-all” infrastructure upgrade [3].

The project aims to connect homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses across all geopolitical zones, addressing long-standing shortcomings in core digital infrastructure that have constrained service quality from mobile operators [3]. World Bank Managing Director Anshula Kant emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the institution’s mission to eradicate poverty and promote inclusive growth, noting its potential to boost productivity in agriculture, education, and healthcare [5]. Improved digital access, according to the World Bank, could enhance Nigeria’s GDP by 1.35 percentage points for every 10% improvement in broadband quality [7].

The design phase of the project has been finalized, with route maps set to be published publicly within two months. Construction is slated to begin before year-end 2025 [6]. Finance Minister Wale Edun highlighted the SPV’s user-funded model, where households and businesses will pay for services directly, eliminating public debt risks [8]. This approach mirrors broader reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda, which includes naira stabilization and attracting sustainable investment [11].

The World Bank’s endorsement extends beyond this project, reflecting its ongoing $9 billion engagement with Nigeria in sectors such as power, education, and rural infrastructure [9]. Future collaborations will focus on agribusiness value chains, renewable energy, and SME finance, complementing the fibre network’s role in advancing the digital economy. Minister Tijani described the project as a “nationwide digital ring” designed to reach underserved communities, fostering innovations in e-governance, fintech, and health tech [10].

The initiative’s success hinges on execution timelines and the SPV’s ability to attract private capital. While the $500 million from the World Bank provides a critical anchor, the project’s viability ultimately depends on securing the remaining private-sector funding. The government’s emphasis on user-driven revenue models also raises questions about affordability for low-income populations, though no details on pricing structures were disclosed in the reports.

Source:

[1] [World Bank Backs Nigeria’s Ambitious 90,000km Fibre-](https://www.brandiconimage.com/2025/07/world-bank-backs-nigerias-ambitious.html)

[2] [World Bank endorses 90,000 km fibre rollout](https://punchng.com/world-bank-endorses-90000-km-fibre-rollout-commends-nigerias-digital-reforms/)

[3] [World Bank, Nigeria Partner on 90,000km Fibre-Optic](https://www.arise.tv/world-bank-nigeria-partner-on-90000km-fibre-optic-project-to-power-digital-economic-growth/)

[4] [World Bank Backs Nigeria’s Ambitious 90,000km Fibre-](https://www.brandiconimage.com/2025/07/world-bank-backs-nigerias-ambitious.html)

[5] [World Bank endorses 90,000 km fibre rollout](https://punchng.com/world-bank-endorses-90000-km-fibre-rollout-commends-nigerias-digital-reforms/)

[6] [World Bank Backs Nigeria’s Ambitious 90,000km Fibre-](https://www.brandiconimage.com/2025/07/world-bank-backs-nigerias-ambitious.html)

[7] [World Bank endorses 90,000 km fibre rollout](https://punchng.com/world-bank-endorses-90000-km-fibre-rollout-commends-nigerias-digital-reforms/)

[8] [World Bank, Nigeria Partner on 90,000km Fibre-Optic](https://www.arise.tv/world-bank-nigeria-partner-on-90000km-fibre-optic-project-to-power-digital-economic-growth/)

[9] [World Bank Backs Nigeria’s Ambitious 90,000km Fibre-](https://www.brandiconimage.com/2025/07/world-bank-backs-nigerias-ambitious.html)

[10] [World Bank endorses 90,000 km fibre rollout](https://punchng.com/world-bank-endorses-90000-km-fibre-rollout-commends-nigerias-digital-reforms/)

[11] [World Bank Backs Nigeria’s Ambitious 90,000km Fibre-](https://www.brandiconimage.com/2025/07/world-bank-backs-nigerias-ambitious.html)