Nigeria to Launch 90,000km Fibre-Optic Network by 2026

The Federal Government of Nigeria announced that work on a planned 90,000-kilometre nationwide fibre-optic network will begin in October 2026. This initiative, referred to as Project BRIDGE, aims to expand broadband access and strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, disclosed this information in Abuja during the National Innovation Hub Standards Framework Workshop. Funding for the project has been secured, and it is expected to deploy at least 90,000 kilometres of additional fibre-optic infrastructure through a public-private partnership.

The project will increase Nigeria’s existing fibre backbone from approximately 35,000 kilometres to about 125,000 kilometres, providing the necessary infrastructure for reliable and affordable internet connectivity to underserved communities. The government also plans to deploy nearly 3,700 telecommunications towers in areas lacking adequate network coverage.

Abiola Okunnu, a telecommunications analyst, stated that the expansion could enhance internet service quality and reliability, emphasizing the need for infrastructure to reach underserved areas and address affordability issues.