The federal government, European Union (EU) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed a grant agreement to support the development of the country’s nationwide fibre-optic backbone.
The signing in Abuja on Wednesday was a key step towards expanding affordable broadband connectivity, strengthening institutional capacity, and accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Supported by the European Union and administered by the EBRD, the initiative provides up to €14 million for project scoping, fibre-optic network design, project preparation, and capacity-building for Nigeria’s nationwide fibre-optic backbone programme.
The project aims to deploy approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure nationwide to improve broadband access and support inclusive economic growth.
The ceremony brought together representatives of the Federal Government, the European Union, the EBRD and other stakeholders committed to advancing Nigeria’s digital development agenda.
In his address, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, welcomed the participating delegations and emphasised the importance of the partnership among the Federal Government of Nigeria, the European Union and the EBRD in advancing the country’s digital infrastructure and economic development priorities.
The minister highlighted the grant’s significance in supporting the design and preparation of Nigeria’s nationwide fibre-optic infrastructure project, noting that the intervention would extend beyond technical design to include capacity building, institutional development, and knowledge transfer.
He emphasised that these components are essential for effective project implementation, for strengthening national expertise and for promoting the long-term sustainability of investments in digital infrastructure.
Senator Bagudu also acknowledged the complementary responsibilities of the participating institutions, explaining that the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning would provide coordination and oversight, while the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy would share responsibility for technical implementation through established project coordination and implementation structures.
He further expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the European Union and other development partners, recognising their contributions to the country’s economic reforms and development priorities.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustained international cooperation, effective coordination and strategic partnerships to expand digital connectivity, strengthen institutional capacity and promote inclusive economic growth.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Deborah Odoh, described the signing of the grant agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the EBRD, supported by the European Union, as an important milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and implementation capacity.
Dr Odoh thanked the European Union and the EBRD for their continued support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparent coordination, effective implementation, and sustained collaboration with development partners.
She clarified that the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning would execute the grant agreements on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, while the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy would oversee technical implementation through its project implementation units.
The European Union leader to Nigeria, Mr Massimo De Luca, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening its digital partnership with Nigeria through investment, effective collaboration and the timely implementation of projects designed to support the country’s digital transformation.
Mr Massimo emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between Nigeria and its international partners to advance shared development objectives and to support the expansion of digital infrastructure.
He also thanked the minister and all stakeholders whose contributions and collective efforts advanced the partnership, underscoring the value of continued cooperation in achieving development outcomes.
In a virtual address, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy expressed appreciation to the European Union delegation, Nigerian partners, colleagues and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful organisation of the signing ceremony.
The speaker highlighted the importance of the agreements in strengthening institutional cooperation, promoting innovation, developing technical skills, and supporting sustainable development.
The address further emphasised that the partnership demonstrates what Nigeria, the European Union and other development partners can achieve through coordinated efforts and a shared commitment to national development.
The representative expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact, describing the initiative as a key foundation for deeper cooperation and future achievements in Nigeria’s digital sector.
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