Nigeria to Expand Fibre Network by 90,000 km by 2028

Nigeria's digital initiative, led by Yilwatda, aims to deploy 90,000 kilometers of open-access fibre by 2028, expanding the country's telecommunications backbone from approximately 35,000 kilometers to around 125,000 kilometers. This project is designed to connect over 200,000 schools, health facilities, and other public institutions.

Yilwatda announced this during a virtual executive session with IT industry CEOs, emphasizing the importance of digital infrastructure for Nigeria's economic transformation. The federal government established Bridge Open Access in August as an independent company to manage the project, with government holding 25-49% and private investors 51-75%.

Approximately $800 million in 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 physical rollout is set to begin in October 2026, with a targeted completion in 2028.

Yilwatda noted that successful implementation requires more than policy announcements and highlighted the need for an additional $1.2 billion in private capital.