The Federal Government has secured a €14m grant from the European Union (EU) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to support preparations for a nationwide fibre-optic network expected to span about 90,000 kilometres.
The grant agreement was signed in Abuja on Wednesday by representatives of the Nigerian government, the EU and the EBRD, with the funding earmarked for network design, project preparation, technical assessments and capacity building.
The planned infrastructure is expected to expand broadband access across the country and support economic growth by improving digital connectivity.
In a statement by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Minister, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, said the partnership would help Nigeria prepare for the implementation of the ambitious digital infrastructure project.
Bagudu said the support would go beyond technical planning to include institutional development, knowledge transfer and capacity building, which he described as important for effective implementation and the long-term sustainability of investments.
He said the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning would coordinate and oversee the initiative, while the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy would share responsibility for technical implementation through established project structures.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with international development partners to expand digital connectivity, strengthen institutional capacity and promote inclusive economic growth.
The European Union’s representative to Nigeria, Massimo De Luca, also reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to strengthening its digital partnership with the country through investment and collaboration.
De Luca stressed the importance of sustained engagement between Nigeria and its international partners in advancing shared development goals and supporting the expansion of digital infrastructure.
A representative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, who addressed the ceremony virtually, also highlighted the role of the agreement in strengthening institutional cooperation, developing technical skills and promoting innovation.
The nationwide fibre-optic programme is intended to improve access to broadband services, an important requirement for digital services, business operations and wider participation in the digital economy.
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