Nigeria is advancing its digital transformation with the ongoing rollout of Project BRIDGE, a $2 billion initiative deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the project expands the national fibre backbone from 35,000 kilometres to 125,000 kilometres, establishing a network that will reach all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Having commenced in early 2026, Project BRIDGE is already laying the groundwork to dramatically lower internet costs, increase broadband penetration, and accelerate the country’s digital economy.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Nigeria currently has an internet penetration rate of approximately 55%, leaving tens of millions of citizens offline. By expanding fibre infrastructure and providing wholesale access to telecommunications operators, Project BRIDGE is expected to increase penetration to over 70%, targeting an estimated 33 million currently unconnected Nigerians.
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Project BRIDGE is structured as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), combining private sector investment with sovereign loans from development finance institutions such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank. The Nigerian government maintains a minority stake of 25% to 49%, ensuring operational control remains with private investors while aligning with national priorities.
The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) has approved $500 million in concessional financing, with a maximum commitment charge of 0.5% per annum on undrawn funds. Repayment is scheduled to begin in October 2030, with semi-annual installments over a 20-year period. Funding will be disbursed in phased tranches, linked to network deployment milestones, ensuring that capital flows efficiently as the project progresses.
Through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the federal government channels its participation, exercising voting rights and safeguarding national interests. The SPV, once formed, will oversee daily operations, procurement, and compliance with environmental and social safeguards, including gender-based violence prevention and community engagement.
The network design encompasses seven regional backbone rings covering all six geopolitical zones plus Lagos. Points of Presence (PoPs) will be established in each of the 774 LGAs, supporting last-mile connectivity for schools, hospitals, government agencies, and communities. By providing wholesale, open-access services, Project BRIDGE ensures that licensed operators can deliver high-quality broadband to previously underserved areas, bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.
The government has already reported that by January 2026, approximately 60% of the groundwork for the fibre rollout has been completed, signalling strong progress ahead of the official launch. Local content and industrialisation are integral to the project, with Coleman Technical Industry Limited establishing a factory in Sagamu capable of manufacturing the fibre optic cables. This development not only supports Project BRIDGE but also contributes to Nigeria’s broader ambitions for digital infrastructure self-sufficiency.
Project BRIDGE is projected to reduce internet access costs by over 60%, directly benefiting households, businesses, and public institutions. Economists predict that expanded broadband coverage could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP growth, as digital infrastructure underpins e-commerce, fintech, education, and health technology initiatives.
Beyond economics, the project offers social dividends. Improved connectivity will enhance access to digital learning resources, telemedicine, and government services, empowering communities and fostering inclusive development. By prioritising regions that have historically been left behind, Project BRIDGE positions Nigeria to compete on a global digital stage, strengthening its role within Africa’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.
Nigeria’s fibre initiative aligns with broader international trends in digital infrastructure development. Globally, nations are recognising fibre optic networks as critical for economic resilience and competitiveness. According to the World Bank, countries with extensive fibre networks experience faster digital adoption, higher productivity, and increased foreign direct investment. Project BRIDGE positions Nigeria to leverage these benefits while contributing to continental efforts, such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which prioritises digital connectivity as a driver of inclusive growth and regional integration.
By drawing on global financing mechanisms, private sector expertise, and local manufacturing capabilities, Project BRIDGE exemplifies a holistic approach to infrastructure development. It reflects the understanding that connectivity is not merely about access but about fostering an ecosystem where technology drives societal transformation.
Looking Ahead: Bridging the Gap to a Digital Future
As Nigeria moves forward with Project BRIDGE, the nation is set to chart a course toward a more connected and economically resilient future. With 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable set to link every LGA, affordable internet, and inclusive digital access, the project promises to transform Nigeria’s technological landscape.
Project BRIDGE is more than a fibre network; it is a commitment to digital empowerment, economic growth, and social inclusion. By combining rigorous planning, private sector dynamism, and strategic public investment, Nigeria demonstrates how large-scale infrastructure projects can bridge the gap between ambition and achievement, ensuring that connectivity becomes a cornerstone of national progress.
