The European Union (EU) has pledged €22 million in grant funding to support Nigeria’s nationwide fibre-optic expansion under the federal government’s Project BRIDGE initiative. The grant was announced in Abuja and will be channelled through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) before being “on-granted” to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The EU grant is designed to complement an €86 million loan from the EBRD, which is awaiting final approval. The combined financing aims to accelerate digital infrastructure rollout while attracting private sector participation.
Key Highlights of the Project
- Scope of Fibre Network:
- 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network nationwide.
- Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to manage rollout with 51% private sector participation.
- Technical Assistance and Investment Support:
- €22 million EU grant covers technical cooperation including:
- Low-Level Design (LLD) for 40,000 km of network in the first phase.
- Route mapping, crossing surveys, digitised planning, quality assurance, and security risk assessments.
- Capacity building: training 2,000 technicians, equipment subsidies, and support for small subcontractors to access pooled procurement and volume discounts.
- €22 million EU grant covers technical cooperation including:
- Expected Impact:
- Reduce rollout costs by 20–30%.
- Strengthen supply chain resilience.
- Ensure compliance with EU and Nigerian quality standards.
- International Confidence and Standards:
- EBRD loan includes strict cybersecurity safeguards and open-access compliance to ensure transparency and competitiveness.
- EU emphasizes trusted, resilient digital infrastructure as strategic for both Nigeria and the EU.
Remarks from Key Officials
- Odile Renaud-Basso (EBRD President): Highlighted partnership with the EU to expand secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital connectivity in Nigeria.
- Bosun Tijani (Minister of Communications): Called the agreement a major milestone for delivering Project BRIDGE on schedule and advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation.
- Gautier Mignot (EU Ambassador to Nigeria): Stressed the strategic importance of high-integrity digital networks built to international standards.
Significance
The EU grant and EBRD loan form part of a broader funding strategy, including potential support from the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB). By blending sovereign and private capital, the initiative aims to accelerate nationwide broadband deployment, promote digital inclusion, and enhance Nigeria’s status as a global digital partner.
The project aligns with Nigeria’s digital economy roadmap, supporting infrastructure development, technical skills training, and cost-efficient deployment for sustainable, long-term connectivity.
