By Sandra Kenneth
The European Union has committed up to €14 million in grant funding to support Nigeria’s ambitious plan to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure, a project aimed at significantly expanding broadband access nationwide.
The funding is designated to cover essential preparatory activities, including network design, project preparation, technical studies, and capacity-building initiatives as the Federal Government works to enhance internet connectivity and strengthen the national digital economy.
The formal agreement was signed in Abuja by key representatives of the Federal Government, the European Union, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the EBRD will administer the grant.
“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 statement detailed.
Strengthening Digital Infrastructure and Institutional Capacity
While the €14 million grant focuses primarily on preparatory studies and technical scoping rather than the physical rollout of the entire 90,000-kilometre network, the resulting infrastructure is ultimately expected to boost broadband availability, empower local businesses, and broaden digital access in underserved communities.
During the signing ceremony, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, highlighted that the partnership will reinforce Nigeria’s digital foundation and drive economic growth. He noted that the project encompasses vital institutional development and knowledge transfer components.
“These components are essential for effective project implementation, for strengthening national expertise and for promoting the long-term sustainability of investments in digital infrastructure,” Bagudu emphasized.
Collaborative Implementation Framework
Under the institutional arrangement:
• The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning will coordinate and oversee the overall project.
• The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy will supervise technical implementation through its dedicated project implementation units.
• Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Deborah Odoh, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the Federal Government, reaffirming a commitment to transparent coordination and sustained partnership.
Representing the European Union, Massimo De Luca reaffirmed the bloc’s dedication to assisting Nigeria’s digital transformation via investment and institutional cooperation, urging all participating entities to maintain close engagement for timely execution
