FG prioritises $2bn fibre optic project for improved connectivity
The Federal Government has prioritised the $2bn fibre optic project, aiming to enhance Nigeria’s internet infrastructure and spur economic growth.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, made this declaration in his address at the G20 Digital Economy Group Meeting in Maceio, Brazil, on Friday.
According to Tijani, the expansion of the fibre optic project, which is being supported by the US Trade and Development Agency, the European Union, and other global partners, is a strategic priority for the government.
The project will extend the country’s fibre optic backbone from 35,000km to 125,000km, improving access to fast and reliable internet.
In his speech, an e-copy obtained by The PUNCH on Saturday, the minister emphasised that the investment is essential to driving Nigeria’s digital economy, which plays a critical role in fostering economic growth, social inclusion, and access to essential services.
He noted that expanding the fibre optic network will empower more Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, to participate meaningfully in the global digital economy, improving livelihoods and creating new economic opportunities.
“On connectivity, the outcomes of Priority 1 speak to Nigeria’s position and current priority for our digital economy. With our desire to drive shared prosperity and diversify our economy, we recognise universal and equitable access to meaningful connectivity as a fundamental driver of progress in today’s digital age, serving as a cornerstone for economic development, social inclusion, and access to essential services,” Minister Tijani said.
He further highlighted the government’s broader digital strategy, which includes a focus on digital literacy and skills development.
The Federal Government aims to ensure that 70 per cent of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2027 through initiatives like the world’s largest technical talent acceleration program, known as 3MTT.
This program is designed to build the country’s human capital to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.
“In addition, we have established the National Broadband Alliance as a platform for networking and aligning all key stakeholders towards identifying viable and sustainable means of driving meaningful access for all,” he remarked.
Minister Tijani also cited inspiration from digital innovations in other countries, referencing farmers in rural China who have leveraged social media platforms to bypass traditional markets and connect directly with consumers, leading to improved incomes and opportunities.
Minister Tijani also addressed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing Digital Public Infrastructure, a key element of its digital transformation agenda.
He stressed that the government’s investment in DPI is critical to fostering trust in public services by providing transparent, reliable, and accessible systems for service delivery and citizen engagement.
With the support of the European Union and the World Bank, Nigeria has developed a robust digital ID system, with over 90 per cent of the country’s adult population registered, the minister revealed.
According to him, this system presents an opportunity to integrate digital identity with existing government services, ensuring a “whole-of-government” approach to supporting citizens during critical life events.
Tijani said to further streamline digital governance, the Federal Government is pursuing new legislation to eliminate silos in the use of technology across government agencies.
This legislation, currently undergoing public engagement, is designed to accelerate the development of a data exchange system that will enable interoperability between government agencies and provide a cohesive digital infrastructure, the minister detailed.
