On Wednesday, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced a substantial and ambitious fibre optic cable project aimed at expanding the country’s digital infrastructure significantly. The project, which is set to stretch over 90,000 kilometers, will elevate Nigeria’s fibre network from its current 35,000 kilometers to an impressive 125,000 kilometers, ultimately positioning the nation as home to the third-longest terrestrial fibre optic backbone in Africa, following Egypt and South Africa. However, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, indicated that securing the necessary funding of $2 billion for this initiative may take up to 18 months, suggesting that the transition to a digitally empowered nation will be a gradual process.
In a recent interview during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tijani highlighted that funding has already been partially secured through pledges from various international organizations, including the African Development Bank, which committed $200 million, as well as contributions from the World Bank and the African Export and Import Bank. Although these early signs of international backing are promising, the minister maintained a realistic outlook, stating that substantial praise for the project should not be expected within the first year, given the time required for both funding and construction phases. The ambitious scope of the project reflects Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the sophisticated demands of modern connectivity and internet access in an era where digital infrastructure is paramount.
The urgency to enhance Nigeria’s broadband capacity stems from a white paper published in January 2024 by the Communications Ministry, which underscored the essential need for developing the national backbone and middle mile infrastructure. The objective is to increase broadband penetration to a target of 70% by 2025, promoting greater internet access across the country. Despite these ambitions, stakeholders have raised concerns over potential impediments to the project’s success, particularly highlighting issues such as right-of-way charges and multiple taxation imposed by state governments, which could complicate and slow down the execution of this critical infrastructure project.
To propel the project forward, Tijani has been proactive in seeking partnerships with influential organizations, securing engagements with entities such as the MasterCard Foundation and Cisco for technological support. By participating actively in discussions at the UNGA, Nigeria aims to enhance its visibility on the global stage concerning technology and development, signaling an intent to join collective efforts towards digital advancement. Tijani’s commitment to collaborating with these stakeholders exemplifies a dedication to not only introducing new infrastructure but also ensuring that it is sustained and beneficial to the broader Nigerian populace.
The minister emphasized that the ramifications of poverty and digital exclusion in Nigeria necessitate a forward-thinking strategy in the realm of technology. He articulated his role as a futuristic leader who is focused on creating solutions that quickly address societal needs. “My role as a technology minister is to be futuristic,” Tijani remarked, indicating a strong belief in providing immediate benefits to citizens through innovative projects. In alignment with these objectives, he also discussed initiatives to cultivate technical talent through a program aimed at training three million individuals in technology, with many of the participants already finding employment opportunities in the burgeoning sector.
Looking ahead, Tijani outlined further plans to enhance Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure by introducing systems such as a data exchange network, which aims to simplify and streamline government services including business registration and passport issuance. Such strategic initiatives reflect a holistic approach to not only expanding digital connectivity through fibre optics but also improving the overall efficiency of government operations and services. Through these collective efforts, Tijani expresses confidence in the potential positive impact this comprehensive project will bring, ultimately benefiting Nigerians, especially those at the grassroots level, by bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth and development in the digital realm.
