Project BRIDGE Remains a National Priority, Targeting 90,000km of Fibre Deployment to Boost Broadband Penetration
In a bold step to accelerate digital transformation and expand broadband access across Nigeria, the Federal Government’s flagship initiative — Project BRIDGE (Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth) — continues to take centre stage as a national priority for economic and social development.
Launched under the National Broadband Plan 2020–2025, Project BRIDGE aims to deploy at least 90,000 kilometres of fibre‑optic cable nationwide, dramatically expanding Nigeria’s digital backbone and pushing broadband penetration toward the government’s ambitious targets.
A Strategic Boost for Broadband Penetration
By closing the significant gap in core connectivity infrastructure — increasing the national fibre footprint from around 35,000km to over 125,000km of open‑access backbone — Project BRIDGE is expected to elevate broadband penetration well beyond existing levels. This deployment is essential for widening internet access to underserved and rural communities, contributing to improved education, healthcare, commerce, and government services across the country.
According to official government sources, the initiative is also projected to support significant job creation, with tens of thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities to be generated throughout the rollout.
Public‑Private Partnership and Funding Structure
The project is structured around a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) managed independently from direct government control, designed to attract private investment and international development financing. Key financial partners already engaged include the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and other global institutions, which have committed significant funding to the effort.
Under the SPV model, the Nigerian government holds a minority stake, while the balance comes from private participants and development finance institutions. This approach aims to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and long‑term sustainability for the fibre network’s operation.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond infrastructure, Project BRIDGE is viewed as a catalyst for economic growth. Analysts and government officials expect a substantial uplift in nationwide internet speeds, increased access to digital services, and broader participation in the digital economy — especially among young people and entrepreneurs.
By unlocking connectivity in every geopolitical zone and every local government area, Project BRIDGE is not only connecting fibre cables but also empowering communities with access to new opportunities in education, e‑commerce, and remote work.