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Cabinet officials

World Bank Partners with Nigeria to Revolutionize Digital Infrastructure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Nigeria is set to embark on a transformative fibre-optic cable project, facilitated by the World Bank Group, aiming to revolutionize the nation's digital infrastructure and spur inclusive economic growth. The initiative, which involves a 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic cable network, is designed to provide broadband access across the country, with users paying for the services to ensure its long-term viability. This partnership aligns with Nigeria's broader strategy for sustained, inclusive growth, fostering quality job creation, and poverty reduction.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fibre-optic cable project, worth 90,000 kilometres, is the largest of its kind globally and is designed to be self-financing through user payments.
  • The project is aligned with Nigeria's broader strategy for sustained, inclusive growth, fostering quality job creation, and poverty reduction.
  • The World Bank Group is committed to supporting Nigeria's digital transformation agenda, as well as broader macroeconomic reforms being implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership.
  • The fibre-optic cable project has the potential to increase GDP by 1.35% with a 10% improvement in broadband quality.
  • The partnership will be implemented through a special purpose vehicle (SPV), with government investing and private sector holding 51% equity and running it independently.
  • The project's design has been finalized and will be made public in the coming months, providing Nigerians with a clear view of the network's layout and benefits.
  • Implementation could begin before the end of 2025.

Statistics:

  • 90,000 kilometres: the length of the fibre-optic cable network.
  • $1.35%: the potential increase in GDP with a 10% improvement in broadband quality.
  • 51%: the equity share held by the private sector in the special purpose vehicle (SPV).

Sources:

  • Muhammad Bello, "Nigeria: World Bank Partnership to Boost Digital Infrastructures," Voice of Nigeria, 24 July 2025.
  • Anshula Kant, "World Bank to Support Nigeria's Digital Transformation Agenda," Voice of Nigeria, 24 July 2025.
  • Wale Edun, "FG Approves 90,000km Fibre-Optic Cable Project," Voice of Nigeria, 24 July 2025.
  • Bosun Tijani, "FEC Approves Plan for 90,000km Fibre Cable," Voice of Nigeria, 24 July 2025.

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