Nigeria set out for a 90,000km fibre project – Bosun Tijani

Dr Bosun Tijani, recently announced Nigeria’s ambitious plan to build 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure across the country has received a significant boost from the World Bank. This announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, on his social media.

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While the exact nature of the World Bank’s support remains undisclosed, it is a major development for the project, which requires a substantial investment of $2 billion. Tijani had previously indicated that he was actively seeking funding from various sources, including the World Bank, to finance the ambitious undertaking.

The project aims to significantly expand Nigeria’s national connectivity backbone, increasing it from 35,000km to 125,000km. This expansion is expected to enhance connectivity across the country, improve the quality of telecom services, and stimulate economic growth.

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Addressing the Financing Gap

The project’s financing has been a key challenge. However, the government has made significant progress in securing the necessary funds. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will oversee the project’s implementation, and development partners are finalizing the SPV structure to facilitate funding aggregation.

The government’s target is to commence the deployment of the fiber optic network within the next six months. This ambitious timeline reflects the urgency of the project and its potential to transform Nigeria’s digital landscape.

The Importance of Fiber Optic Infrastructure

A robust fiber optic infrastructure is essential for driving digital innovation and economic growth. It provides high-speed internet connectivity, enabling businesses, educational institutions, and individuals to access online services and resources. By expanding fiber optic coverage across Nigeria, the government aims to create a more vibrant digital ecosystem and unlock new opportunities for economic development.

The project is expected to have several significant benefits, including:

• Increased internet penetration: The project will help to increase internet penetration in Nigeria, bringing more people online and connecting them to the digital economy.
• Improved telecom services: The project will enhance the quality and reliability of telecom services, benefiting both businesses and consumers.
• Economic growth: By stimulating digital innovation and entrepreneurship, the project is expected to contribute to economic growth and job creation.
• Social inclusion: The project will help to bridge the digital divide by connecting more communities across Nigeria, ensuring that all citizens have access to the benefits of the digital economy.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the significant potential benefits of the project, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the major challenges is the issue of Right of Way (RoW) across the 36 states of the federation. Obtaining necessary permits and approvals for laying fiber optic cables can be a time-consuming and bureaucratic process.

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To overcome this challenge, the government will need to work closely with state governments and other stakeholders to streamline the RoW process and ensure that the project can proceed smoothly.

Another challenge is the need to ensure that the project is implemented efficiently and cost-effectively. The government will need to put in place robust project management and oversight mechanisms to ensure that the project stays on schedule and within budget.

Despite these challenges, the project offers significant opportunities for Nigeria. By investing in fiber optic infrastructure, the government is positioning the country to become a digital powerhouse in Africa. The project has the potential to transform the lives of millions of Nigerians and drive economic growth for years to come.