FG to rollout 90,000km fibre optic network - Tijani

Nigeria is set to launch a massive 90,000-kilometer fiber optic network rollout in the coming weeks, a significant move to bolster digital infrastructure and expand broadband access across the country. Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced the plan after briefing President Bola Tinubu. The project is designed to extend fiber optic cables to every state, geopolitical zone, local government area, and ward, promising a transformation in the quality and reach of internet connectivity.

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We’re now at the point where, in a few weeks’ time, we should start to lay those fibre, so people will start seeing us around the country deploying the fibre. This is going to transform Nigeria for good.

Tijani confirmed that resource mobilization and contracting for the fiber project are complete, with deployment expected to begin shortly. He highlighted the government's commitment to digital transformation, noting President Tinubu's support for key policy reforms. These include designating digital infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, adjusting tariffs, and harmonizing taxes, all of which have been long-standing demands from the sector.

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This is a project where every state, every geopolitical zone, every local government and every ward in this country will be covered with fibre optic cables, which will transform the quality of connectivity.

The minister expressed gratitude for the reforms, pointing to the communications sector's growing contribution to Nigeria's GDP, which has risen from 16-18% to nearly 21%. He also mentioned that major industry players have seen strong financial performance following these changes. Beyond the fiber network, the government plans to deploy approximately 3,700 telecommunications towers starting in October. This initiative aims to bring network coverage to over 20 million Nigerians in communities currently lacking telecommunications services, further bridging the digital divide.

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I think our sector has been extremely fortunate. With Mr. President, as you can imagine, he’s given us quite a number of things that the sector has been demanding for a long time.