Nigeria is set to receive a landmark $3 billion investment in telecommunications equipment and fibre optic infrastructure by June 2025, to enhance the country’s digital connectivity and broadband access nationwide.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced the development during a World Bank panel discussion on Nigeria’s digital economy. The first tranche, valued at $1 billion, will deliver advanced telecom equipment, followed by a $2 billion rollout of fibre optic cables designed to expand broadband coverage, especially in underserved rural and semi-urban areas.
This investment, a collaboration between the Federal Government and the World Bank, aims to close Nigeria’s digital divide by improving internet quality and accessibility for millions of Nigerians who currently lack reliable connectivity. Dr. Tijani emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating, “We all need quality internet access regardless of our location. Technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity.”
The government’s broader digital strategy also targets attracting up to $40 billion in private capital investments by 2025 to further develop digital infrastructure, foster innovation, and grow the digital economy from 10.68% to 12.54% of GDP. Key components include strengthening legal frameworks, promoting STEM education, and enhancing e-governance.
This massive infrastructure upgrade aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to become a technological powerhouse in Africa, leveraging its young, tech-savvy population and growing investor interest. It also addresses persistent challenges such as frequent fibre optic cable disruptions and limited broadband penetration outside major cities.
Telecom operators are complementing government efforts with over $1 billion in capital expenditure planned for 2025 to modernize networks and improve service quality, signaling a new era of digital resilience and economic growth for Nigeria.
As the rollout begins in the fourth quarter of 2025, stakeholders remain optimistic that these investments will unlock Nigeria’s full digital potential, enabling inclusive connectivity and empowering millions of Nigerians across the country.
