The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has launched an investor consultation process, inviting private sector players to express interest in a Special Purpose Vehicle aimed at deploying 90,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables across Nigeria.
The initiative, known as Project Bridge: Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth, was announced in a consultation document released on Monday. Led by Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani, the project seeks to establish a nationwide fibre network to enhance connectivity, support economic growth, and drive digital transformation.
According to the Ministry, the project will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership model, with the Nigerian government retaining a stake of between 25% and 49% in the SPV. The entity will function as an independent limited liability company managed by a board of directors with expertise in telecommunications, infrastructure, and finance.
The Ministry emphasized that the invitation aligns with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act of 2005 and the National Policy on Public-Private Partnerships. It stated, “The Ministry is issuing this invitation to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the Project’s implementation and private sector engagement.”
Nigeria’s broadband penetration currently stands at approximately 45%, with significant gaps in rural and underserved areas. The 90,000km fibre optic project aims to bridge this digital divide, enabling universal access to high-speed internet while fostering innovation, e-commerce, and digital services.
Experts suggest that the PPP model could attract major telecom and infrastructure investors, accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS 2020-2030).
Dr. Bosun Tijani previously announced in May last year that the Federal Executive Council had approved the SPV, which will follow governance and operational models similar to successful Nigerian PPPs such as the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas.
The government aims to expand Nigeria’s connectivity backbone to a minimum of 125,000km through collaboration with private and public sector stakeholders. The project is expected to: increase internet penetration to over 70%, reduce the cost of internet access by over 60%, provide internet access to at least 50% of the 33 million Nigerians currently excluded from digital connectivity, and contribute up to 1.5% of GDP growth per capita, raising Nigeria’s GDP from $472.6 billion (2022) to $502 billion over the next four years.
The Ministry has yet to announce a timeline for the implementation of the SPV but expects significant interest from investors looking to support Nigeria’s digital transformation.
