The Federal Government is seeking to attract about $1.2 billion in private-sector funding for its planned nationwide fibre-optic network, as Nigeria moves to expand high-speed internet access and strengthen its digital infrastructure.
The project, which is expected to cover about 90,000 kilometres, is designed to significantly expand the country’s broadband infrastructure and improve connectivity for households, businesses and public institutions.
According to a report by Punch, physical deployment of the fibre network is expected to begin in October 2026. The government is looking to use private capital to support the large-scale infrastructure project rather than relying entirely on public funding.
The expansion is expected to provide stronger digital infrastructure for businesses and technology companies while supporting services such as online education, digital banking, e-commerce, remote work and other internet-based activities.
The project also comes as Nigeria continues to position digital infrastructure as an important part of its economic development strategy. Improved fibre coverage could help address connectivity gaps and provide faster and more reliable internet services in areas that currently have limited access.
If successfully deployed, the network would represent a significant expansion of Nigeria’s telecommunications backbone and could increase the capacity available to internet service providers across the country.
