Nigeria Launches $2B Project to Connect 33M People Online

Millions of Nigerians who've never had reliable internet access are about to get connected through one of Africa's most ambitious digital infrastructure projects.

Nigeria has kicked off the financial planning phase for its BRIDGE Project, a massive initiative to lay 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable across all 774 local government areas in the country. The World Bank has already approved $500 million to help fund the effort.

The project targets 33 million Nigerians currently living without internet access. By bringing high-speed broadband to historically underserved regions, the initiative aims to open doors to education, healthcare, business opportunities, and government services that many communities have never had reliable access to before.

Here's what makes this project different: the government will own just 49% of the new company managing the rollout, while private investors handle operations. A financial advisory firm is being selected now to help structure the funding and establish the project company, which should break ground later this year.

The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy confirmed that once the advisory process wraps up, the special purpose vehicle will be formed to oversee deployment. The government's investment will flow through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, its official investment arm.

The $500 million World Bank credit comes with favorable terms. Repayment starts in October 2030 and stretches over 20 years. Funding releases in five chunks, with the first $150 million going toward startup capital.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't just about getting people online. The fiber network will provide wholesale, open-access services to licensed telecom operators, creating competition that could lower internet costs for everyone. Small businesses in rural areas will suddenly be able to reach customers beyond their villages. Students will access online learning resources. Farmers can check weather forecasts and market prices in real time.

The project includes strong safeguards for communities and the environment. An Environmental and Social Commitment Plan addresses everything from grievance resolution to preventing gender-based violence during construction. Regular reporting will track compliance throughout the build.

Deployment happens in phases tied to specific milestones. The first 30,000 kilometers should roll out starting early 2026, with subsequent phases extending coverage until the full network is complete.

The World Bank approved the BRIDGE Project in October 2025 specifically to expand access to quality broadband in regions left behind by Nigeria's digital economy. Technical assistance will help government agencies ensure the infrastructure strengthens public services across the board.

Nigeria is betting big that connecting everyone to the internet will unlock economic growth and opportunity for millions who've been on the wrong side of the digital divide.