The federal government, European Union (EU) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed a grant agreement to support the development of the country’s nationwide fibre-optic backbone.
The signing in Abuja on Wednesday was a key step towards expanding affordable broadband connectivity, strengthening institutional capacity, and accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Supported by the European Union and administered by the EBRD, the initiative provides up to €14 million for project scoping, fibre-optic network design, project preparation, and capacity-building for Nigeria’s nationwide fibre-optic backbone programme.
The project aims to deploy approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure nationwide to improve broadband access and support inclusive economic growth.
The ceremony brought together representatives of the Federal Government, the European Union, the EBRD and other stakeholders committed to advancing Nigeria’s digital development agenda.
In his address, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, welcomed the participating delegations and emphasised the importance of the partnership among the Federal Government of Nigeria, the European Union and the EBRD in advancing the country’s digital infrastructure and economic development priorities.
