In a bold step to advance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, the Federal Government has announced plans to roll out a $2 billion fibre optic network starting in the fourth quarter of 2025. This massive investment aims to deploy approximately 90,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables across the country, boosting internet access and connectivity nationwide.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, during an interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office. The rollout forms a key part of Nigeria’s broader digital economy strategy to enhance technology infrastructure, foster innovation, and expand economic growth.
Dr. Tijani revealed that Nigeria’s digital economy attracted an unprecedented $191 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first quarter of 2024—a remarkable ninefold increase from $22 million recorded in the same period of 2023. This growth signals rising global confidence in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and the government’s reforms.
“The Communications and Digital Economy sector is witnessing exponential growth. The robust FDI inflows in 2024 compared to 2023 underscore the success of our ongoing reforms and the huge potential Nigeria offers,” Tijani stated.
He also highlighted a consistent upward trend, noting that in Q2 2024, FDI reached $114 million, compared to $25 million in Q2 2023.
A cornerstone of this digital revolution is the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme launched in October 2023, which aims to equip Nigerians with vital digital and technology skills. Originally targeting 30,000 trainees, the initiative has already surpassed expectations, training over 117,000 Nigerians to date.
“With over 117,000 individuals trained and 35,000 more currently undergoing training, we are rapidly approaching 10% of our ambitious goal. We expect to reach the full three million target within this administration’s tenure,” Tijani confirmed.
This massive talent pipeline is expected to fuel the growth of Nigeria’s tech industry, support startups, and attract further investment.
Dubbed “Project Bridge,” the fibre optic rollout will focus on laying 90,000 kilometers of fibre cable to enhance broadband penetration and network quality across Nigeria, especially in underserved rural and semi-urban areas.
“This $2 billion investment is designed to ensure that affordable, high-quality connectivity reaches every Nigerian, regardless of location. Improving connectivity hubs by just 10% could increase Nigeria’s GDP growth by up to 2.5%,” Tijani explained.
The government expects this infrastructure push to accelerate the National Broadband Plan’s objective of achieving 90% internet penetration by 2025, a significant leap from the current 48% penetration rate.
The Ministry is also focusing heavily on emerging technologies, with Nigeria ranked among the world’s top 60 countries for AI readiness. The launch of the AI Collective platform, backed by tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar, aims to spur innovation in artificial intelligence.
The government has funded 55 academic researchers to explore tech applications in agriculture, healthcare, and education, alongside a N300 million investment in 10 startups leveraging AI and blockchain technology to improve agricultural productivity.
The Ministry is working to position Nigerian startups on the global stage through initiatives such as the Nigerian Startup House in San Francisco. With an ambitious goal of attracting $5 billion in startup funding, this initiative supports the Startup Pact and Trade Desk programmes, which connect local firms with global investors and government procurement opportunities.
Addressing rural connectivity, Tijani announced plans to deploy 7,000 new telecom towers nationwide to ensure at least 98% network coverage. The Federal Executive Council has already approved this project, which is expected to resolve longstanding challenges of network blackspots in remote areas.
A significant breakthrough has also been achieved on the “Right-of-Way” issue, which previously hindered telecom infrastructure expansion. Twelve Nigerian states have adopted zero-rated Right-of-Way policies, significantly reducing the cost and delays associated with deploying fibre networks.
Tijani forecast that the Communications and Digital Economy sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP would rise from the current 16% to 22% in the coming years, driven by the ongoing reforms and infrastructure investments.
“If the sector increases its GDP contribution by three to four percent, it will catalyze economic growth like never before,” he said, adding that technology serves as a vital bridge connecting governments and citizens.
The minister emphasized that the government is pursuing long-lasting structural reforms rather than quick wins. “Our focus is on sustainable transformation that will drive Nigeria’s economy for generations to come,” Tijani concluded.
As Nigeria embarks on this ambitious digital expansion, the combination of foreign investment, local talent development, cutting-edge technology, and infrastructure build-out positions the country to emerge as a leading digital economy in Africa.