Nigeria, EU, Euro Bank sign €14m grant agreement on fibre-optic infrastructure

The Federal Government of Nigeria, the European Union (EU) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on Wednesday signed a grant agreement to support the development of the country’s nationwide fibre-optic backbone.

At the signing in Abuja, the Federal government said the initiative, supported by the European Union and administered by the EBRD, provides up to €14 million in funding for project scoping, fibre-optic network design, project preparation, and capacity-building activities for Nigeria’s nationwide fibre-optic backbone programme.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the project aims to deploy approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure nationwide to improve broadband access and support inclusive economic growth.

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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 the statement, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. 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.

The statement noted that 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.

On his part, 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.

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.

Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy representative highlighted the importance of the agreements in strengthening institutional cooperation, promoting innovation, developing technical skills, and supporting sustainable development.

The Speaker 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.

Furthermore, the statement noted that the initiative marked a significant step towards expanding affordable broadband connectivity, strengthening institutional capacity, and accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation.