World Bank to Fund 90,000km Fibre Optic Network to Transform Broadband Access in Nigeria
In a groundbreaking move to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation, the World Bank Group has pledged support for a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic broadband infrastructure project, one of the largest of its kind globally. The initiative aims to boost nationwide broadband access, drive youth employment, and power Nigeria’s digital economy.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by Anshula Kant, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of the World Bank, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja on Wednesday.
Digital Infrastructure Tops Agenda in Nigeria–World Bank Partnership
Kant announced that the World Bank is developing a comprehensive support program for Nigeria, spanning key sectors such as:
- Energy
- Agribusiness
- Education
- Healthcare
- Digital Infrastructure
“One of the biggest forthcoming projects will be in the digital space—providing digital broadband access across the country,” said Kant. “We are working very closely with the government to deliver transformative results in several areas.”
Shared Priorities: Youth Jobs, Human Capital, and Innovation
Kant emphasised the strong alignment between Nigeria’s development goals and the World Bank’s mission of inclusive growth. Key focus areas include:
- Job creation for youth
- Access to digital services
- Quality education and healthcare
- Financial inclusion and agricultural productivity
“Human capital development is critical to sustained economic progress,” Kant said, citing the importance of digital connectivity in unlocking growth.
Reforms Strengthen Nigeria’s Global Appeal
Kant commended the Tinubu administration for implementing bold macroeconomic reforms, which she said have already shown early positive outcomes.
“Nigeria is on the right path. The World Bank is committed to helping the country unlock faster economic development and create the jobs and opportunities its population needs.”
This strategic partnership is expected to unlock sectoral productivity, improve living standards, and solidify Nigeria’s position as a digital leader in Africa.
Landmark Project: 90,000km Fibre Optic Rollout
Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, described the fibre optic broadband initiative as critical infrastructure that will transform Nigeria’s digital landscape.
“This is a landmark project—one of the biggest fiber optic rollouts in the world—led by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani,” said Edun.
The fibre optic network will provide:
- High-speed internet access to underserved areas
- Scalable infrastructure for education, telehealth, fintech, and e-government
- Enhanced capacity for data centres and digital startups
Strategic Digital Investment to Spur Inclusive Growth
With support from both the World Bank and its investment arm, IFC, the project is part of a broader strategy to:
- Strengthen Nigeria’s digital backbone
- Enable job creation in the digital economy
- Empower rural and urban communities
- Bridge the digital divide
This initiative supports Nigeria’s ambition to achieve universal broadband coverage, stimulate innovation, and make the country a hub for African tech growth.
Conclusion: A Giant Leap Toward a Digitally Inclusive Nigeria
The Nigeria–World Bank fibre optic broadband project represents a transformative investment in infrastructure, digital access, and economic opportunity. As Nigeria continues implementing reforms and driving forward its national development plan, digital connectivity will be at the heart of its future success.
