Nigeria plans to extend fibre-optic network by 90,000 km to create more jobs
What’s this about?
- The Nigerian government announced a $2 billion Fibre Forward Strategic Development project to extend the country’s fibre-optic network by 90,000 kilometresFibre, aiming to revolutionize connectivity and create jobs.
- The project, managed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), aims to connect at least 50% of the 33 million Nigerians currently without internet access, potentially boosting GDP growth by up to 1.5% per capita.
- Complementary initiatives include ‘Project 774 LG Connectivity’ to connect local government secretariats and plans to criminalize the destruction of broadband fibre cables to protect telecom infrastructure.
Zoom in…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to extend the country’s fibre-optic backbone by 90,000 kilometres through the Fibre Forward Strategic Development project.
Context
In May 2024, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani announced the launch of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the delivery of an extra 90,000km of fibre optic cable to improve the connectivity infrastructure in the country.
An SPV is a separate legal entity created to achieve a specific goal or project. In this context, the SPV will manage the fibre optics project, overseeing its implementation, finances, and operations.
He further stated that the nation aims to ensure that at least 50% of the current 33 million Nigerians without Internet access will be included with an expectation to also deliver GDP growth of up to 1.5% per capita. This growth is projected to increase the GDP from $472.6 billion in 2022 to $502 billion within the next four years.
What they’re saying…
Speaking at the Fibre Forward Strategic Development Workshop, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, stated, “This $2 billion Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) initiative marks a significant leap forward in our efforts to revolutionize connectivity in Nigeria.”
He added that when completed, the project will position the country as Africa’s third-largest terrestrial fibre-optic infrastructure.
“Our goal is to ensure the success of this project, which will not only enhance our technological capabilities but also foster economic growth, job creation, and technological empowerment,” Ẹdun shared.
Bottomline
This development is not the only move the country has made to improve the digital sector. In February 2024, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy launched ‘Project 774 LG Connectivity,’ to connect 774 local government secretariats in Nigeria to the Internet.
The initiative aims to boost digital accessibility and generate more jobs directly and indirectly.
Meanwhile, in April 2024, the Nigerian government revealed plans to criminalise the destruction of broadband fibre cables after MTN and Airtel reported losses of ₦27 billion. It stated that it was drafting a new regulation aimed at protecting the telecom infrastructure, which is critically in need of protection, and implementing strict penalties for those who violate it.
This move came after MTN Nigeria, in February 2024, experienced a major service outage which was attributed to have been caused by a fibre optic cable cut.
Source: techpoint.africa
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