By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigeria is set to begin the rollout of a N3.3 trillion nationwide digital infrastructure project in the fourth quarter of 2025, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has announced.
Speaking in a statement released Monday during an interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, Tijani disclosed that the ambitious project will involve deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic lines and 7,000 telecom towers across the country.
Tijani noted the sector’s significant growth under the Tinubu administration, revealing a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) to $191 million in Q1 2024, compared to $22 million in Q1 2023.
He highlighted several strategic initiatives driving the digital economy, including the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which has already trained over 117,000 Nigerians in digital skills, surpassing its initial target of 30,000 trainees.
The Minister also announced a $2 billion investment tagged Project Bridge, which will finance the deployment of the 90,000km fibre network beginning in Q4. “Increasing connectivity hubs by just 10 per cent could yield a 2.5 per cent GDP growth,” he said.
Tijani pointed to progress in artificial intelligence, noting Nigeria’s inclusion in the top 60 countries for AI readiness and the development of a domestic large language model. He also cited the launch of the AI Collective platform, supported by global tech firms including Google, Microsoft, and Pierre Omidyar.
On research and innovation, the Ministry has funded 55 academic researchers exploring technology in agriculture, healthcare, and education, alongside a N300 million investment in 10 startups using AI and blockchain in the agriculture sector.
Addressing infrastructure challenges, Tijani said 12 states have adopted zero-rated Right-of-Way policies, easing broadband deployment. He projected broadband penetration to rise from 48 per cent in 2024 to 90 per cent by 2025, with the telecom tower project aiming for 98 per cent national coverage.
The Minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to long-term reforms, stating: “We’re not chasing quick wins. Our focus is on delivering enduring reforms that will transform Nigeria’s economy for generations.”
