To enhance the broadband infrastructure and connectivity in Nigeria, the federal government recently disclosed an ongoing discussion with the World Bank to raise $3 billion to fund additional 120,000km of fibre optic cables.
The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, made the disclosure speaking recently at a stakeholders’ engagement held in Abuja.
He expressed hope that the funds would be raised in the next two or three years, adding that the project involved stakeholders from the private sector and would be delivered in the next three years.
According to him, it was imperative to seek investments in the nation’s digital backbone to facilitate access at affordable prices to the digital space for all Nigerians.
“We are here with critical stakeholders on how to attract investments and fund our broadband infrastructure. I am sure everybody that is listening to me probably understands that now we cannot do without technology on the internet; so, we all need quality access regardless of our location,” he said.
The World Bank Regional Director, (Infrastructure) West and Central Africa, Franz Gross, said the first phase of the project would involve laying 95,000km of fiber optic cables across Nigeria.
He added that would immediately improve access and digital services content in the country.
According to him, “We plan to set up a digital national broadband fund and to roll out about 95,000 kilometres of what we call middle mile cable. That’s terrestrial cable in Nigeria to bring broadband to more parts of the country.
“I think Nigeria has about 35,000 kilometres of broadband cable. The idea is to add another 95,000, and what we’re discussing with the government is, well, what’s the best way to finance that?
“I want to say that rolling out fiber is part of the problem. What you want is fiber to bring low-cost digital access all over the country,” he added.