THE RACE TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
The optic fibre network project will deepen broadband penetration across the country, argues SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE An ambitious 90,000 km optic fiber network is in the offing by the government of
Nigeria is launching a massive 90,000 km optic fiber network project to combat the digital divide and expand broadband coverage across the country's 774 council areas. The ambitious initiative, spearheaded by Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani, aims to augment the existing 35,000 km network infrastructure and bring services to underserved and unserved regions.
The government secured funding through public-private partnerships, with the infrastructure strategy combining terrestrial fiber, mobile towers, and satellite technology. The project, set to commence implementation in October 2026 and cost an estimated $2 billion, will be managed by the Special Purpose Vehicle Bridge Open Access (Bridge OA).
The government will hold a minority stake of 25-49%, while private sector participation will range from 51-75%. The project, known as D-VIBE or Project BRIDGE, is expected to connect over 200,000 institutions and cross-border links between Nigeria and its neighbors, with the potential to close connectivity gaps and support productivity and job creation in the digital economy.
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
