FG plans 90,000km fibre rollout nationwide to boost internet access

The Federal Government plans to roll out 90,000 kilometers of fibre nationwide by 2028 through Project BRIDGE, aiming to improve internet access across Nigeria. This digital infrastructure project, which started in October 2026, will increase the country's fibre backbone from 35,000 to 125,000 kilometers, connecting over 200,000 schools, health facilities, and other public institutions.

Nigerian APC Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, shared these details during a virtual meeting with CEOs from the IT industry. The project, financed with about $800 million in sovereign funds from international sources, is expected to bring the country's fibre backbone to a combined 125,000 kilometers. However, Yilwatda emphasized that digital inclusion cannot be achieved without complementary investments in electricity, affordable devices, data services, towers, backhaul infrastructure, and last-mile connectivity.

The rollout of Project BRIDGE faces challenges such as right-of-way charges, multiple permits, and inconsistent regulatory requirements. Yilwatda also highlighted the importance of protecting fibre-optic infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure and advocating for better coordination between road construction and telecommunications projects.