Nigeria Launches 90,000km Fibre Optic Network Initiative

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced the commencement of a 90,000km fibre optic network project during a briefing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. All contractual, financing, and resource mobilization processes for the project have been completed, allowing construction to begin nationwide in the coming weeks.

The initiative aims to extend fibre optic infrastructure to every state, geopolitical zone, local government area, and ward, significantly enhancing internet connectivity. Dr. Tijani expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for policy interventions that have strengthened the communications sector, including the designation of digital infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure and the review of telecommunications tariffs.

Additionally, the government plans to deploy approximately 3,700 telecommunications towers starting in October to improve connectivity for over 20 million Nigerians lacking access to telecommunications services. Furthermore, Nigeria will introduce an alphanumeric postcode system on October 1, enhancing delivery services and e-commerce.