EU commits €14m grant to design Nigeria's 90,000km fibre backbone

Nigeria, the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development signed a grant agreement in Abuja on Wednesday, October 14, committing up to €14 million toward preparations for a planned 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic network, Punch Nigeria reported.

The funding — which will be administered by the EBRD — covers project scoping, network design, technical studies and capacity building for the nationwide backbone programme, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. It will not cover the full deployment of the network, leaving the government to secure the resources needed for nationwide construction, The Reforms reported.

“The initiative, supported by the European Union and administered by the EBRD, provides up to €14m in funding for project scoping, fibre-optic network design, project preparation, and capacity-building activities for Nigeria’s nationwide fibre-optic backbone programme,” the ministry said.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said the partnership would strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and economic development, adding that “these components are essential for effective project implementation, for strengthening national expertise and for promoting the long-term sustainability of investments in digital infrastructure.” Business Post Nigeria reported that the ministry will coordinate the grant while the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy handles technical implementation.

The proposed network is intended to improve broadband availability for businesses and households, particularly in underserved communities, and support the country’s digital economy.

Read more on Flip News’s Nigeria fibre hub.

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