{
  "id": 14498102,
  "title": "EU backs FG’s broadband expansion with €14m grant",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/eu-backs-fgs-broadband-expansion-with-14m-grant-14498102",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T17:32:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/eu-backs-fgs-broadband-expansion-with-e14m-grant/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The European Union has pledged up to €14 million in grant funding to aid Nigeria's ambitious plan to install 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic infrastructure, designed to broaden broadband access throughout the nation. This financial support will cover crucial aspects such as network design, project preparation, technical assessments, and capacity building as the Nigerian government strives to enhance internet connectivity and foster its digital economy. The agreement was officially sealed in Abuja by officials from the Federal Government, the European Union, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The grant will be managed by the EBRD, ensuring the smooth execution of the nationwide fiber-optic backbone project. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, emphasized the significance of this partnership for Nigeria's digital infrastructure, stating that the funding will not only streamline technical preparations but also foster institutional development, knowledge transfer, and capacity building. This holistic approach is crucial for the successful and sustainable implementation of the project.",
  "summary": "The European Union has committed a €14m grant to support Nigeria’s plan to deploy 90,000km of fibre-optic cable for nationwide broadband expansion. Read More: https://punchng.com/eu-backs-fgs-broadband-expansion-with-e14m-grant/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "EU backs FG’s broadband expansion with €14m grant",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/eu-backs-fgs-broadband-expansion-with-14m-grant",
        "published": "2026-10-14T17:28:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}