FG to Launch 90,000km Fibre-Optic Network Rollout in October
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has announced that the rollout of a 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic network under Project BRIDGE will commence in October 2026, marking a major step toward expanding broadband penetration and strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a workshop on the proposed National Innovation Hub Standards Framework.
According to the minister, funding for the ambitious project has been secured, with the network expected to significantly improve internet connectivity, especially in underserved and unserved communities.
Tijani explained that the initiative would expand Nigeria’s fibre backbone from about 35,000 kilometres to approximately 125,000 kilometres, making it one of the largest fibre-optic networks in Africa.
Beyond fibre deployment, the government also plans to install about 3,700 additional telecommunications towers to provide network coverage for more than 20 million Nigerians currently without access to telecom services.
The minister further revealed plans to renew Nigeria’s communications satellite to improve connectivity in remote locations where terrestrial infrastructure may be difficult to deploy.
Tijani noted that Nigeria’s digital economy strategy focuses on three pillars: expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening digital public platforms such as identity and payment systems, and supporting businesses and innovators to build technology-driven solutions.
He said the investments align with the Federal Government’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy by creating new opportunities in the technology sector and reducing dependence on oil revenues.
Also speaking, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, said the proposed National Innovation Hub Standards Framework would improve the quality and distribution of innovation hubs nationwide.
He disclosed that although over 339 innovation hubs have been identified across Nigeria, many remain concentrated in Lagos, Abuja and a few major cities.
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