Nigeria’s flagship digital infrastructure programme, Project BRIDGE, has secured an investment of ₦135.6 billion ($100 million) from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and a grant of ₦35,2 billion (€22 million) from the European Union, strengthening financing for nationwide broadband expansion.
The approvals significantly reinforce Nigeria’s drive to deepen connectivity, bridge access gaps and accelerate the transition to an inclusive, technology-driven economy.
Formal approval by the EBRD Board follows a series of high-level engagements during Project BRIDGE’s recent investment tour across Europe by the Nigerian government. According to a project statement, the ₦135.56 billion commitment complements the ₦677.81 billion financing earlier approved by the World Bank for the initiative.
In addition, Project BRIDGE has announced the signing of the European Union Digital Economy Package valued at ₦71.91 billion. The package comprises the ₦35.16 billion grant allocated directly to Project BRIDGE, ₦28.76 billion earmarked for Digital Public Services, and ₦7.98 billion designated to support Nigeria’s 3MTT Programme.
Fresh funding rounds for Project BRIDGE
In addition, Project BRIDGE has announced the signing of the European Union Digital Economy Package valued at ₦71.91 billion. The package comprises the ₦35.16 billion grant allocated directly to Project BRIDGE, ₦28.76 billion earmarked for Digital Public Services, and ₦7.98 billion designated to support Nigeria’s 3MTT Programme.
Reflecting on the approvals, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, describes the milestone as validation of sustained diplomatic and investment engagements.
“These approvals are deeply reassuring as we reflect on the hard work and the air miles, across six countries in two weeks to secure the partnerships required to deploy 90,000km of fibre across Nigeria, delivering meaningful connectivity to all Nigerians,” he says.
The new commitments build on strategic discussions held in February 2026 between Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the EBRD. Those talks explored leveraging EBRD financing and technical expertise to strengthen priority sectors including agriculture, power and digital infrastructure.
According to officials, the broader engagement aims to enhance industrial capacity, improve energy access, accelerate digital transformation and drive structural reforms that reinforce macroeconomic stability, private-sector development and long-term economic resilience.
Structured as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, Project BRIDGE is designed to deploy at least 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide. The infrastructure will serve as Nigeria’s core digital backbone, expanding broadband penetration and supporting universal access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services.
With blended financing now exceeding ₦813 billion alongside additional grant support, attention will turn to implementation timelines, right-of-way coordination and execution efficiency as Nigeria advances one of its most ambitious broadband expansion programmes to date.
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