FG to Invest $2 Billion in Expanding Nigeria’s Fibre-Optic Network

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to invest $2 billion in expanding the nation’s fibre-optic network to 90,000 kilometers. This initiative aims to increase Nigeria’s fibre-optic capacity from 35,000km to 125,000km, significantly strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.

Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, made the announcement during a tour of the vandalized Digital Innovation Park in Kano. The park was recently damaged during the nationwide protests in August.

Tijani emphasized that this investment will provide enhanced connectivity to communities, facilitating digital access for schools, hospitals, government institutions, and businesses. He noted that this expansion will support growth in key sectors of the economy, such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.

In collaboration with the Kano State Government and through the National Broadband Alliance, the ministry is working to simplify the investment process for private infrastructure companies. This initiative aims to position Kano as a digital hub by connecting vital institutions, thereby boosting the state’s digital economy.

The minister highlighted that technology is crucial for driving productivity and economic diversification in Nigeria. He pointed out that while many countries are experiencing a decline in population, Nigeria’s growing youthful workforce is a significant advantage.

Tijani also discussed the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, an initiative by the federal government to equip three million Nigerians with digital and technical skills. This program targets developing talent in areas like software development, data science, and cybersecurity, to address the shortage of skilled professionals in the digital sector.

The minister praised Kano’s contribution to this effort, noting that over 300 young people from the state are actively participating in the program, the highest number of participants from any region.

Regarding the vandalized Digital Innovation Park, Tijani thanked IHS Towers for their commitment to restoring the facility, which symbolizes Kano and Nigeria’s vision to lead in the global digital economy.