The Nigerian government has announced Project 'Bridge', aimed at deploying 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic lines, marking a significant advancement in the country’s digital infrastructure.
Goals and Scope of Project 'Bridge'
Project 'Bridge' is focused on creating high-speed and reliable broadband access for every corner of Nigeria. It aims to expand the existing 35,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables to a total of 125,000 kilometers, making Nigeria home to the third-largest fiber network in Africa. This initiative aligns with Nigeria's National Broadband Plan for 2020-2025, which aims to increase internet penetration to 70% by 2025.
Economic and Social Impact
Project 'Bridge' promises significant economic impact on the country. It is expected to increase Nigeria's GDP by 1.5% per capita and create approximately 20,000 direct and 150,000 indirect jobs. Additionally, it plans to train 5,000 young Nigerians at the Digital Bridge Institute. The project will provide internet access to over 200,000 institutions in education and healthcare, which will address the connectivity gap for 33 million offline Nigerians.
Global Support and Prospects
Minister of Communications Nigeria, Dr. Bosun Tijani, is actively engaging in attracting international support for Project 'Bridge'. Conversations with the World Bank and African Development Bank are underway, and a grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency has been awarded to conduct a feasibility study. The project leverages existing infrastructure and includes the establishment of a new Special Purpose Vehicle to be incorporated in Q3 2025, starting with 30,000 kilometers in the first year.
Project 'Bridge' represents a significant advancement in Nigeria's digital infrastructure, promising to enhance economic conditions and the daily lives of its citizens. With global partnerships and private sector support, Nigeria is poised to become a digital powerhouse in Africa.
