The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved €100 million ($108 million) to support Project BRIDGE, Nigeria’s nationwide fibre-optic expansion.
The funding is part of the federal government’s plan to close connectivity gaps and improve internet access across the country.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, confirmed the approval on Wednesday after completing a two-week investment tour across six European countries.
The funds will help lay 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable and bring in private partners to manage parts of the network.
Project BRIDGE: Closing the Connectivity Gap
Launched in August 2025 as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Project BRIDGE (Broadband Infrastructure Development and Grounding Efficiency) was created to attract private investment while moving away from traditional government procurement methods.
The government aims to reach 70% internet penetration and provide connectivity to 80% of underserved areas by 2027.
Tijani said the EBRD’s board approved the investment after “extremely positive engagements” during the European tour.
A Multi-Layered Funding Approach
The €100 million from the EBRD is part of a larger financing plan. It complements a $500 million package from the World Bank Group and a €22 million European Union (EU) grant dedicated to Project BRIDGE.
The EU grant is part of a €45 million support package for Nigeria’s digital economy.
Supporting Human Capital and Public Services
The EU funding will also support digital skills and e-governance. Minister Tijani said €18 million is earmarked to digitise government services, while €5 million will fund the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
This ensures the new network will have the skilled workforce needed to operate it effectively.
Making Nigeria a Digital Hub
In combining low-interest loans with grants, the government hopes to attract more private investment.
The fibre-optic rollout is expected to reduce data costs and improve internet reliability, which is vital for Nigeria’s fintech, agri-tech, and creative industries.
Project BRIDGE is now moving from fundraising to implementation, with private partners set to play a key role in managing the network
