The Federal Government, European Union (EU) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed a 14 million Euros grant agreement to support Nigeria’s nationwide fibre-optic backbone project.
The initiative aims to deploy approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure nationwide to expand broadband access, strengthen institutional capacity and accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The agreement, signed in Abuja on Wednesday, would support project scoping, network design, preparation and capacity-building for the nationwide fibre-optic programme.
The grant is supported by the EU and administered by the EBRD, with the project expected to contribute to inclusive economic growth.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, described the partnership as significant to advancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and economic development priorities.
Bagudu said the grant would support not only technical design but also capacity-building, institutional development and knowledge transfer.
He stressed that the components were essential for effective implementation, strengthening national expertise and ensuring the long-term sustainability of investments in digital infrastructure.
The minister said the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning would provide coordination and oversight, while the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy would handle technical implementation.
He expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the EU and other development partners, acknowledging their contributions to the country’s economic reforms and development priorities.
Bagudu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to international cooperation and strategic partnerships to expand digital connectivity, strengthen institutional capacity and promote inclusive economic growth.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Deborah Odoh, described the MoU as an important milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and implementation capacity.
Odoh thanked the EU and EBRD for their continued support, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparent coordination, effective implementation and sustained collaboration with development partners.
She said the ministry would execute the grant agreement on behalf of the Federal Government, while the communications ministry would oversee technical implementation through its project implementation units.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Massimo De Luca, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to strengthening its digital partnership with Nigeria through investment, collaboration and timely project implementation.
De Luca emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between Nigeria and its international partners in advancing shared development objectives and expanding digital infrastructure.
He thanked Bagudu and other stakeholders for their contributions to 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 commended the EU delegation, Nigerian partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to the signing ceremony.
The representative said the agreements would strengthen institutional cooperation, promote innovation, develop technical skills and support sustainable development.
The speaker expressed optimism that the project would provide a foundation for deeper cooperation and further progress in Nigeria’s digital sector.
