From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
In order to advance Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure and connectivity, the federal government and the World Bank plan to invest $3 billion to build an extra 120,000 kilometres of fibre optic lines.
The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement with the theme: “Realising a Nigerian Vision of Broadband for All.”
Speaking at the event hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with the World Bamk, Mr. Tijani stated that the project comprises stakeholders from the private sector and will be completed over the next three years. He also expressed hope that the money will be raised in the next two or three years.
He asserts that in order to enable access, it is now critical to look for investments in the country’s digital backbone.
According to the Minister, “There is a need for us to invest in that database. So, it is the kind of thing we call the telecommunications infrastructure, or in some cases, the fibre optic cables.
“So, there is a cable that helps us make it possible for the internet to happen,” the minister said.
Tijani noted that 3,035 kilometres of fibre optic lines have already been installed in Nigeria but that 120,000 km of fibre optic cables would be required for the populace to have quality and efficient access to the internet and other digital services, irrespective of location.
The World Bank Regional Director for Infrastructure for West and Central Africa, Franz Drees-Gross, stated in his remarks that the project’s initial phase would entail the installation of 95,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables throughout Nigeria.
Mr Drees-Gross said the project would boost the nation’s access and digital services content. He described Nigeria’s digital ecosystem as vibrant, assuring that the World Bank was deeply involved and interested in supporting the country to raise the needed funds for the project.
“We plan to set up a digital national broadband fund and roll out about 95,000 kilometres of what we call middle-mile cable.
“That is the terrestrial cable in the territory of Nigeria to bring broadband to more parts of the country.
“I think Nigeria has about 35,000 kilometres of broadband cable. The idea is to add another 95,000, and what we are discussing with the government is: what is the best way to finance that?” he said.