Washington D.C., Jan 17, 2025 – The federal government has signed a $2 million grant agreement with the US to expand its fibre optic network by 90,000 kilometers.
The deal was signed in Washington D.C. during the just concluded US-Nigeria Technology Dialogue.
The Nigerian delegation to the Dialogue was led by Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
The project is to be funded by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) in its bid to support Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan for 2020-2025.
A statement by the US Department of State said: “The initiative aims to boost Nigeria’s broadband access from its current rate of 42.27% to a target of 70%, ensuring that approximately 90% of the population can access affordable and reliable internet services.”
Discussions at the Dialogue also focused on ways of improving their digital economies by improving service security, enhancing digital trade and fostering innovation.
The Dialogue also included partnerships on AI, capacity building and infrastructure development.
Tijani had earlier in 2024, announced plans by the federal to expand the fibre optic network from 35,000 kilometers to 90,000 kilometers. (GBN)
