World Bank Partners with Nigeria on Landmark 90,000km Fiber Optic Project to Boost Broadband Access
The World Bank has announced a major partnership with the Nigerian government to roll out a nationwide 90,000-kilometer fiber optic network aimed at expanding digital broadband access. This ambitious infrastructure project was revealed during a meeting in Abuja between World Bank Managing Director and CFO, Anshula Kant, and President Bola Tinubu. The initiative is part of a broader multi-sector collaboration that includes efforts in energy, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Anshula Kant emphasized that the upcoming digital infrastructure project is one of the largest in Nigeria’s development pipeline, and aligns closely with the World Bank’s mission to drive inclusive economic growth. She noted the importance of digital access in enabling job creation, especially for Nigeria’s youth, and highlighted the need for strong investment in human capital to sustain long-term economic development.
Commending the Tinubu administration’s recent economic reforms, Kant said the progress made so far positions Nigeria favorably for expanded international support. The World Bank views the current policy momentum as a solid foundation for scaling projects that can transform the economy and improve quality of life.
Finance Minister Wale Edun also underscored the significance of the fiber optic project, calling it a critical infrastructure milestone and one of the largest of its kind globally. He emphasized that the initiative is a key part of Nigeria’s strategy to modernize its digital economy and create enabling conditions for broader development.
The collaboration signals a renewed commitment between Nigeria and the World Bank to jointly tackle infrastructure deficits, improve sectoral productivity, and strengthen institutional capacity. With digital connectivity as a central pillar, the 90,000-kilometer broadband rollout is expected to be a game changer for economic inclusion, innovation, and national development.
Source: Nairametrics