FG mulls PPP in deepening broadband infrastructure by 90,000km
By Blessing Emmanuel
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has extended an invitation to private investors to participate in Project BRIDGE, a large-scale broadband infrastructure initiative aimed at deploying 90,000km of fibre optic cables across Nigeria.
The initiative, structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), will establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) where the government will hold between 25% and 49% ownership, while private investors will oversee operations.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, recently stated that the project is designed to improve digital connectivity and accelerate economic growth.
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), broadband penetration in Nigeria reached 45.61% in January 2025, while internet usage soared to an all-time high of 1,000,930 terabytes in the same period, driven by increasing reliance on digital services.
The surge in data consumption has been attributed to the growing demand for internet-based activities, including video streaming, social media interaction, remote work, and fintech advancements.
Despite these advancements, Nigeria’s broadband penetration has fallen short of national targets. The National Broadband Plan (2020–2025) aimed for 50% penetration by 2023 and 70% by 2025, but infrastructure limitations have posed significant obstacles.
The Ministry’s latest initiative is regarded as a crucial step in closing the existing infrastructure gaps.
In a related development, telecommunications operator 9mobile has announced substantial investments in upgrading its network infrastructure to meet rising demand and ensure high-quality service delivery.
The Ministry clarified that its consultation process is not a procurement exercise but a preliminary engagement before a competitive bidding phase.
“Stakeholder participation is encouraged to help shape the project’s final structure. Interested investors must meet specific criteria, including legal registration, industry expertise, financial capability, and alignment with Nigeria’s digital economy objectives.
“A consultation form is available on the Ministry’s website for eligible participants,” a public notice issued by the Ministry stated.
