Abuja, Feb. 14, 2024- Nigeria is working with the World Bank to raise $3 billion for expansion of broadband infrastructure.
The expansion involves laying additional 120,000km of fibre optic cables across the country.
Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, disclosed this in Abuja at stakeholders meeting with the theme “Realising a Nigerian Vision of Broadband for All”.
He expressed optimism that the funds would be raised within the next two to three years.
The minister said the collaboration with the World Bank would involve various stakeholders from the private sector and the goal is to deliver the project over the next three years.
He said government was seeking investments in the digital backbone to ensure affordable access to the digital space for all Nigerians.
Tijani stressed the importance of attracting investments to fund the broadband infrastructure, adding that it is crucial for making the internet possible.
He said Nigeria had already laid 3,035km of fiber optic cables, but needed additional 120,000km of fiber optic cables to provide Nigerians with quality and efficient access to the internet and other digital services.
Mr. Franz Drees-Gross, the World Bank Regional Director (Infrastructure) West and Central Africa, said the initial phase of the project would involve laying 95,000km of fiber optic cables to enhance access to digital services and content throughout the country.
Drees-Gross acknowledged Nigeria’s vibrant digital ecosystem and expressed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the country in raising the required funds for this transformative project.
He said the plans would include setting up a digital National Broadband fund and rolling out the middle-mile cable to bring broadband to more parts of Nigeria. (GBN)
