Nigeria,World Bank to invest $3bn in digital transformation project

Joy Agwunobi 

The Nigerian government has initiated a collaboration with the World Bank to secure funding for a project that will see the installation of 120,000 kms of fibre optic cables. The project, which is estimated to cost $3 billion, aims to significantly expand the country’s broadband capacity, making high-speed internet more accessible to more Nigerians.

Bosun Tijani, the minister of communications, innovations and digital economy, announced the collaboration at a stakeholders’ engagement held recently in Abuja. The event, titled “Realising a Nigerian Vision of Broadband for All”, highlighted the importance of broadband infrastructure in accelerating economic growth and development. 

Tijani expressed  optimism that the $3 billion can be raised within two to three years, emphasising the importance of private sector collaboration in meeting this ambitious goal. He also stressed the importance of a fast timeline for the project, stating that three years is a realistic timeframe to complete the installation of the 120,000km of fibre optic cables.

In his remarks, the minister noted the government’s commitment to attracting private sector investment to fund the rollout of broadband infrastructure. He stressed that the internet and technology have become essential for daily life and stated that the government is dedicated to ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of location, have access to high-quality internet. 

“We need quality access to the internet regardless of our location, and to achieve this we need to invest in our digital backbone, including the installation of fiber optic cables.” 

The minister stated that while Nigeria has laid 3,035km of fiber optic cables, the country would need a further 120,000km to achieve quality and efficient internet access for all citizens, regardless of location.  

Franz Drees-Gross, the World Bank regional director for infrastructure in West and Central Africa, commented on the partnership, saying that the first phase of the project would involve laying 95,000km of fiber optic cables across Nigeria. He noted that this would improve access to the internet and digital services, as well as content creation in the country. Drees-Gross further  described the Nigerian digital ecosystem as vibrant and said that the World Bank is committed to supporting the country in raising the necessary funds for the project.

“We plan to set up a digital National Broadband fund and to roll out about 95,000 kilometers of what we call middle mile cable. That is the terrestrial cable in the territory of Nigeria to bring broadband to more parts of the country. 

 Nigeria has about 35,000 kilometers of broadband cable. The idea is to add another 95,000 and what we are discussing with the government is what is the best way to finance that,” he said.  

Drees-Gross added that Lagos has a particularly impressive and vibrant digital ecosystem, he stated that Nigeria could be expanded to serve as a hub for exporting digital services to the rest of West Africa.