FG Secures $100M EBRD Backing to Accelerate Fibre-Optic Expansion
In a major boost to Nigeria’s digital infrastructure agenda, the Federal Government (FG) has secured a $100 million investment from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to accelerate the nationwide rollout of fibre-optic broadband under its flagship Project BRIDGE initiative.
The announcement was made on 26 February 2026 by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, via his official social media handle following the conclusion of a two-week investment tour across six European countries.
What This Investment Means
The $100 million commitment from the EBRD board marks a significant milestone for Project BRIDGE, the Federal Government’s multi-phased plan to expand broadband infrastructure across Nigeria. This investment is intended to:
- Deploy approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cables nationwide to bridge connectivity gaps in urban and rural communities.
- Attract additional private sector investment through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structure designed to crowd in capital, technology, and expertise.
- Strengthen digital access for businesses, students, public institutions, and underserved areas where reliable broadband is currently limited or nonexistent.
The investment is complementary to existing financing, including a $500 million facility already approved by the World Bank Group, highlighting growing international confidence in Nigeria’s digital transformation strategy.
EU Support and Broader Funding
In addition to the EBRD investment, Nigeria also received €22 million grant support from the European Union, under a €45 million EU Digital Economy Package. This funding will be targeted at:
- Project BRIDGE directly.
- Supporting Digital Public Services.
- Strengthening the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, an initiative focused on expanding digital skills among Nigerian youth.
The combined European support both investment and grants signals a holistic approach to building infrastructure, services, and human capital needed for Nigeria’s digital economy growth.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Digital Future
Nigeria’s broadband penetration has historically lagged behind regional peers, limiting access to affordable, high-speed internet that can drive innovation, remote work, e-commerce, education, and financial inclusion. By expanding fibre infrastructure:
- Internet penetration is expected to increase significantly, particularly in underserved rural areas that have struggled with spotty connectivity.
- Businesses especially in fintech, agritech, and creative industries will gain access to more reliable digital networks.
- Educational and health services in remote communities can leverage broadband for distance learning and telemedicine.
These investments position Nigeria to compete in the global digital economy and support long-term socio-economic growth.
Government Reaction and Next Steps
Dr. Bosun Tijani described the funding approvals as “deeply reassuring”, underlining the strategic importance of the European engagements and partnerships mobilised through the Project BRIDGE Investment Tour.
With funding now secured, the project will move into implementation phases involving private sector partners responsible for network deployment and management. The focus will also shift to ensuring transparency, efficient utilisation of funds, and milestone-based progress reporting to all stakeholders.
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