Nigeria's FG to Launch 90,000km Fibre Project by 2028

The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to implement Project BRIDGE, which involves the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of open-access fibre across all 36 states by 2028. This initiative, announced by Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, aims to increase Nigeria's fibre backbone from approximately 35,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometers, connecting over 200,000 schools, health facilities, and other public institutions.

The physical rollout is scheduled to begin in October 2026, with the project timeline reduced from five years to three years. Approximately $800 million in sovereign financing has been secured, including $500 million from the World Bank, $100 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and $200 million from the African Development Bank, along with a €22 million grant from the European Union.

The government has established Bridge Open Access as an independent company to oversee the network, with private investors expected to hold between 51 and 75 percent operational control. Yilwatda emphasized the need for effective implementation beyond mere policy announcements.