Funding will cover technical studies, network planning and capacity building as the Federal Government seeks to expand broadband access and strengthen the country’s digital economy…..
The European Union has committed up to €14 million in grant funding to support preparations for Nigeria’s proposed 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic network, a major digital infrastructure project expected to improve internet access across the country.
The grant will finance preliminary activities, including network design, technical studies, project preparation and capacity building, as the Federal Government moves to expand broadband coverage and improve the delivery of digital services.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by representatives of the Federal Government, the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, explaining that the EBRD would administer the funding to support preparatory work for the nationwide fibre-optic backbone.
The proposed network is expected to extend reliable internet connectivity to more communities, particularly underserved areas where limited broadband access continues to constrain economic activities and access to essential digital services.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said the partnership would strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and support wider economic development.
He explained that the initiative would also focus on building institutional capacity, transferring technical knowledge and developing local expertise needed to ensure the project’s effective implementation and long-term sustainability.
Bagudu said the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning would coordinate and oversee the project, while the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy would handle its technical implementation.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with international development partners to expand digital connectivity and ensure that more Nigerians could benefit from opportunities in the digital economy.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Deborah Odoh, described the agreement as a significant step towards improving Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and strengthening the institutions responsible for delivering the project.
Odoh said her ministry would execute the grant agreement on behalf of the Federal Government, with the communications ministry responsible for technical supervision through its project implementation units.
She stressed the need for effective coordination, transparency and sustained cooperation among the participating institutions to ensure that the preparatory activities achieve their intended objectives.
Also speaking, the European Union representative in Nigeria, Massimo De Luca, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to supporting the country’s digital transformation through financial assistance and institutional partnerships.
De Luca called for continued collaboration among the relevant agencies to ensure efficient implementation and adherence to the project’s expected timeline.
Once developed, the proposed 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic network is expected to provide a stronger backbone for broadband services, helping businesses improve their operations while expanding access to digital platforms and services across Nigeria.
Improved connectivity could also create opportunities for innovation, support the growth of technology-driven enterprises and help bridge the digital divide between urban centres and communities with limited internet access.
However, the €14 million grant will fund preparatory work and capacity building rather than the actual nationwide installation of the fibre-optic network. Further implementation arrangements will be required to translate the project plans into physical infrastructure.
The agreement therefore marks an important preparatory step towards the proposed network, as the Federal Government seeks to strengthen digital connectivity, encourage investment and widen participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
