EU backs Nigeria’s broadband expansion with €14m grant

The European Union has pledged up to €14 million in grant funding to support Nigeria's ambitious plan to establish 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic infrastructure, aimed at broadening internet access across the nation. This financial aid will cover crucial aspects such as network design, project preparation, technical studies, and capacity building.

The agreement was recently finalized in Abuja, with representatives from Nigeria's Federal Government, the European Union, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development signing the contract. According to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the grant will be managed by the EBRD to facilitate the preparations for the nationwide fiber-optic backbone project.

The initiative, backed by the EU and overseen by the EBRD, provides up to €14 million for project scoping, fiber-optic network design, project preparation, and capacity-building activities. The statement highlights that the proposed infrastructure aims to enhance broadband availability, foster business growth, and expand access to digital services in underserved communities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, emphasized that the partnership would not only bolster Nigeria’s digital infrastructure but also support economic development. He highlighted that the intervention would encompass institutional development, knowledge transfer, and capacity building, stating, "these components are essential for effective project implementation, for strengthening national expertise, and for promoting the long-term sustainability of investments in digital infrastructure."

The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning will coordinate and oversee the project, while the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy will supervise its technical implementation. The ministry affirmed its commitment to international collaborations aimed at improving digital connectivity and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Deborah Odoh, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, described the agreement as a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria's digital infrastructure and institutional capacity. She reaffirmed the government's dedication to transparent coordination, effective implementation, and enduring collaboration with development partners.

Massimo De Luca, the European Union representative in Nigeria, reiterated the bloc's commitment to supporting Nigeria's digital transformation through investment and institutional cooperation. He called for ongoing collaboration among participating institutions to ensure the timely execution of the project. The €14 million grant is intended to fund preparatory activities and capacity building, rather than the construction of the entire 90,000-kilometer fiber-optic network.