Yilwatda: FG’s Digital Project to Deliver 90,000km of Fibre Across 36 States by 2028
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the federal government’s digital initiative is scheduled to deploy and deliver over 90,000 kilometres
The Nigerian government's digital initiative, led by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, aims to deploy 90,000 kilometers of open-access fiber across the 36 states by 2028. This expansion would increase the national backbone from 35,000 kilometers to around 125,000 kilometers, connecting over 200,000 schools, health facilities, and other public institutions.
The Project BRIDGE, designed by the federal government, will be executed by an independent company called Bridge Open Access, with government and private investors holding between 25-75% of the company. The initiative has secured $800 million in funding, including $500 million from the World Bank, $100 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and $200 million from the African Development Bank, along with a €22 million grant from the European Union.
The rollout of the project is scheduled to begin in October 2026, with completion now projected for 2028. However, achieving digital inclusion will require additional investments in electricity, devices, data services, towers, backhaul infrastructure, and last-mile connectivity. Fibre deployment remains concentrated in major urban centers, with Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory accounting for over 18% of deployed fiber.
Challenges such as right-of-way charges, inconsistent regulatory requirements, and vandalism of fibre-optic cables must be addressed to ensure successful implementation.
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