- The proposed fibre optic cables will be installed along existing national infrastructure, including power grids, railways, roads, and oil and gas pipelines, to enhance connectivity across urban and rural areas.
- This project supports Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, aiming to increase broadband penetration from 42.27% to 70% and provide 90% of the population with affordable, reliable broadband access.
- The partnership underscores the deepening technological cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, fostering economic growth and digital inclusion.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded a grant to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) to conduct a feasibility study aimed at expanding internet access to 12 million Nigerians.
This initiative involves deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure nationwide, aligning with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, which seeks to elevate broadband penetration from 42.27% to 70% and ensure 90% of the population has access to affordable, reliable broadband.
“As Nigeria and the United States deepen our cooperation in the technology sector, USTDA is proud to partner with FMCIDE to deliver concrete action in support our shared digital infrastructure goals,” said Enoh T. Ebong, Director of the USTDA during the signing of the agreement. “This project will help expand connectivity to Nigeria’s urban and rural communities while opening opportunities for trusted U.S. technologies to advance the country’s digital priorities.”
This collaboration is part of a broader effort to enhance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. In recent years, several initiatives have been launched to improve internet accessibility:
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- Project 774 LG Connectivity: Launched by FMCIDE, this project aims to connect all 774 local government secretariats in Nigeria to the internet, enhancing digital access and creating over 300 jobs.
- Broadband Alliance: In early 2024, the Ministry announced plans to promote broadband access across seven states, including Edo, Imo, Kwara, and Katsina, to further bridge the digital divide.
- Fiber-Optic Network Expansion: The government has also initiated plans to extend the fibre-optic network by 90,000 km, aiming to boost digital accessibility and generate employment opportunities.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. As of 2023, only about 40% of Nigeria’s population had access to broadband internet, with rural areas particularly underserved. Collaborations like the USTDA-FMCIDE partnership are crucial in addressing these gaps and promoting digital inclusion.
The feasibility study funded by USTDA will identify gaps in the current infrastructure and develop strategies to bridge them, ensuring that underserved and hard-to-reach communities gain reliable internet access. This initiative not only aims to enhance connectivity but also to open opportunities for U.S. technologies to advance Nigeria’s digital priorities.
By leveraging existing infrastructure for the deployment of fibre optic cables, the project seeks to minimize costs and expedite implementation. This strategic approach is expected to facilitate the rapid expansion of Internet services, thereby contributing to Nigeria’s economic development and integration into the global digital economy.
The USTDA’s partnership with Nigeria represents a significant step toward bridging the digital divide, fostering international cooperation, and promoting economic growth through enhanced digital connectivity.
