The commitments from multilateral development finance institutions have now reached $900 million for the country’s $2 billion fibre infrastructure programme under Project BRIDGE, Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has confirmed that
The Minister disclosed this in a LinkedIn post following the approval of $200 million financing by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), bringing together a coalition of global lenders backing what is described as Nigeria’s most ambitious digital infrastructure initiative.
Tijani says the AfDB’s approval adds to earlier commitments from the World Bank, which has pledged $500 million, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which is contributing $100 million. The combined $900 million forms the bulk of the sovereign financing component required for Project BRIDGE that is estimated to cost $2 billion.
“AfDB approves $200m for Project BRIDGE,” the Minister states, describing the development as “another signal… that Nigeria’s digital infrastructure agenda commands serious, sustained institutional confidence.”
The latest AfDB financing marks a significant milestone in the financial structuring of Project BRIDGE (Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth), which is designed to deploy a nationwide fibre optic backbone to support broadband expansion, digital services delivery and economic growth.
Project BRIDGE: Multilateral backing consolidates funding base
The latest AfDB financing marks a significant milestone in the financial structuring of Project BRIDGE (Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth), which is designed to deploy a nationwide fibre optic backbone to support broadband expansion, digital services delivery and economic growth.
With $900 million now secured from multilateral partners, attention is expected to shift toward mobilising private sector investment to complete the estimated $2 billion funding requirement. The project is structured as a public-private partnership (PPP), implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will oversee deployment, operations and long-term sustainability.
Tijani notes that the growing pool of international financiers reflects confidence in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure strategy.
“Nigeria is not waiting for the world to connect us. We are building our own infrastructure and the world is choosing to invest alongside us,” he adds.
The statement underscores the government’s position that Project BRIDGE is not only a national infrastructure initiative but also a platform for attracting global capital into Nigeria’s digital economy.
Project BRIDGE: Scope and ambition
Project BRIDGE is conceived as a large-scale intervention to address longstanding gaps in Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure. According to previous Technology Times reports, the initiative aims to deploy between 90,000 kilometres and 125,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide, significantly expanding the country’s existing backbone network.
The project is expected to connect all 774 Local Government Areas, extending high-speed broadband access to underserved and unserved communities, while linking key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture and commerce.
By expanding fibre coverage at this scale, the government is targeting a structural shift in Nigeria’s digital economy, where connectivity constraints have historically limited growth in digital services, innovation ecosystems and enterprise development.
The open-access model adopted for Project BRIDGE is designed to ensure that multiple operators and service providers can utilise the infrastructure, promoting competition and reducing the cost of broadband services for end users.
Project BRIDGE is structured to leverage both public and private capital through a PPP framework, with the SPV serving as the central implementation vehicle.
Under this model, government participation is expected to be limited to a minority stake, while private investors will hold a controlling interest. This approach is intended to balance public policy objectives with commercial efficiency, ensuring that the network is both scalable and financially sustainable.
Technology Times has earlier reported that the Federal Government has positioned the project as a flagship digital infrastructure investment, inviting local and international investors to participate in its execution.
The investor engagement process includes provisions for equity participation, long-term revenue models and risk-sharing mechanisms designed to attract institutional investors, telecoms operators and infrastructure funds.
Tijani notes that the growing pool of international financiers reflects confidence in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure strategy. “Nigeria is not waiting for the world to connect us. We are building our own infrastructure and the world is choosing to invest alongside us,” he adds.
Addressing Nigeria’s connectivity gaps
Nigeria’s broadband penetration has improved in recent years but remains uneven, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas. Limited fibre infrastructure has been identified as a key bottleneck, affecting network quality, data speeds and the cost of internet services.
Project BRIDGE is expected to address these challenges by providing a robust backbone that supports last-mile connectivity, enabling telecoms operators and internet service providers to extend coverage more efficiently.
The scale of the planned deployment positions the initiative as one of the largest fibre infrastructure projects in the developing world, reflecting the government’s intention to accelerate digital transformation across multiple sectors.
In addition to improving connectivity, the project is expected to support emerging technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, which rely on high-capacity, low-latency networks.
Economic and developmental implications
Project BRIDGE is positioned as a catalyst for economic growth, with expected impacts spanning job creation, digital inclusion and productivity gains across industries.
Improved broadband infrastructure is widely recognised as a key enabler of economic activity, supporting sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, education technology and digital media.
By expanding access to reliable internet connectivity, the project is expected to enhance opportunities for businesses and individuals, particularly in regions that have historically been excluded from the digital economy.
The initiative also aligns with the Federal Government’s broader objectives of economic diversification, reducing dependence on traditional sectors by fostering growth in technology-driven industries.
While financing commitments represent a critical milestone, the success of Project BRIDGE will depend on effective implementation, including coordination among stakeholders, regulatory alignment and timely execution of infrastructure deployment.
Key challenges that have historically affected fibre rollout in Nigeria include high Right-of-Way costs, infrastructure vandalism and logistical complexities associated with large-scale construction.
The PPP structure and involvement of experienced advisors are intended to mitigate these risks by introducing structured governance, technical expertise and accountability mechanisms.
In addition, the integration of renewable energy solutions and resilient network design is expected to enhance the sustainability of the infrastructure, particularly in areas with limited power supply.
Project BRIDGE: Looking ahead
With $900 million in sovereign financing now confirmed, Project BRIDGE is entering a critical phase where financial closure, investor participation and on-ground deployment will define its trajectory.
The Federal Government’s emphasis on building domestic infrastructure, supported by international partnerships, reflects a strategic shift toward long-term capacity development within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
As implementation progresses, the project is expected to play a central role in shaping the future of connectivity in Nigeria, providing the foundation for expanded digital services, innovation and economic participation.
The confirmation of multilateral funding commitments marks a significant step in this direction, signalling both the scale of ambition and the level of global support behind Nigeria’s fibre infrastructure programme.
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