Optical & Fixed Networks

Nigeria’s Project BRIDGE enters a new phase

Nigeria’s Project BRIDGE enters a new phase

Nigeria has moved its planned nationwide fibre infrastructure programme, Project BRIDGE, from the planning phase into execution following the incorporation of Bridge Open Access (Bridge OA), an independent company established to oversee delivery of the initiative.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani announced the development in a post on LinkedIn, describing Bridge Open Access as the independent company that will deliver one of Africa’s largest open access fibre infrastructure programmes, and adding: “This marks the transition from planning to execution, creating the institutional platform that will complete strategic investor onboarding, accelerate nationwide broadband deployment, and position Nigeria as a regional digital connectivity hub for West Africa.”

Project BRIDGE, formally known as Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth, is designed to deploy about 90,000 kilometres of new fibre-optic infrastructure across Nigeria.

The network is expected to extend connectivity beyond existing commercial centres and reach all 774 local government areas, addressing connectivity gaps and  expanding broadband access to underserved communities and institutions.

TechAfrica News says the project is being implemented through a public-private partnership model. Private sector investors will hold the majority stake in the project company; the government will retain a minority position. Bridge OA will serve as the corporate vehicle for investor participation and the physical rollout of the fibre network.

Development finance institutions, including the World Bank, African Development Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, have committed financing towards the broader fibre expansion programme, while the government has also been pursuing private-sector investment.

While this development marks a significant transition for Project BRIDGE, bringing it closer to actual execution as the Minister suggests, there could still be significant challenges on the way to full rollout, as we reported in July.



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