Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has announced progress following a strategic engagement with senior members of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) team in Nigeria, focused on advancing their participation in the private equity component of Project BRIDGE.
The meeting marks a significant step in aligning stakeholders around one of Nigeria’s most ambitious digital infrastructure initiatives, aimed at expanding broadband access across the country. According to the Minister, the discussions reflect growing confidence among investors and development partners in the vision and execution of the project.
Project BRIDGE is designed to deploy approximately 90,000 kilometers of open-access fibre infrastructure nationwide. The initiative is expected to serve as a backbone for improved connectivity, enabling more Nigerians to access reliable internet services and participate in the digital economy.
Beyond its technical scope, the project carries far-reaching social and economic implications. Expanded broadband access is anticipated to enhance access to education, support digital learning, improve healthcare delivery through telemedicine, and empower small businesses with better access to online markets and financial services. It also creates opportunities for job generation across the telecommunications value chain, from infrastructure deployment to digital services.
The Minister noted that the increasing interest from global partners signals strong alignment with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda. As additional investors and collaborators come on board, Project BRIDGE is expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the connectivity gap and fostering inclusive growth across the country.