By Esther Olaoluwa |
The Federal Government will begin the rollout of a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic network across the country within weeks as part of efforts to expand internet access and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
Tijani said all funding and contractual processes for the project had been completed, with deployment expected to begin soon.
“In a few weeks, Nigerians will begin to see us laying fibre across the country. This project will transform Nigeria for good,” he said.
Network to Reach States, LGAs and Wards
According to the minister, the fibre network will cover every state, geopolitical zone, local government area and ward in Nigeria.
The project is expected to improve the quality and availability of internet services, particularly in communities where access to reliable connectivity remains limited.
Wider broadband coverage could also create more opportunities for online learning, remote work, digital businesses and startups while supporting the delivery of government and other essential services.
Tijani also thanked President Tinubu for reforms he said had strengthened the communications sector, including the designation of digital infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, tariff adjustments and tax harmonisation.
He said the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product had increased from between 16 and 18 per cent to nearly 21 per cent since the administration came into office.
Government Plans 3,700 Telecom Towers
Tijani further disclosed that the government would begin deploying about 3,700 telecommunications towers from October.
The towers are expected to provide network coverage to more than 20 million Nigerians living in underserved communities.
The minister said the deployment would complement the fibre network rollout by expanding telecommunications infrastructure and improving connectivity in areas with limited access.
New Postcode System Set for October
The Federal Government also plans to launch an alphanumeric postcode system on October 1, with every property expected to have a unique address.
Tijani said the system would support e-commerce, security and the delivery of public services by making it easier to identify and locate properties.
The fibre network, telecommunications towers and new postcode system form part of the Federal Government’s wider efforts to expand Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and improve access to services and opportunities in the digital economy.
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