Manny Ita
The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally launched the first phase of Project BRIDGE (Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth), a massive technical undertaking designed to revolutionize the nation’s digital landscape. Underpinned by a $500 million concessional credit from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), the project has moved into its active stage this January with the release of an initial ₦460 million ($6 million) tranche. This foundational funding is designated for the incorporation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and the commencement of critical route surveys across the country.
Unlike traditional infrastructure loans, Project BRIDGE utilizes a “Pay-for-Results” mechanism where future disbursements are strictly tied to physical milestones. Officials have confirmed that $155 million is slated for release in 2027 only if the SPV successfully completes the first 5,000 km of fibre construction. By 2029, the government must achieve a cumulative 25,000 km of network expansion to unlock a further $105 million in funding, ensuring that taxpayer-backed debt translates directly into verified physical assets.
Technically, the project aims to add 90,000 km of climate-resilient, high-capacity fibre optic cable to Nigeria’s existing 35,000 km backbone, targeting a total national network of 125,000 km by 2031. The architecture features seven massive fibre rings connecting the six geopolitical zones to the main landing points in Lagos, supplemented by 37 metropolitan loops in state capitals and Abuja. To reduce internet latency, the government plans to deploy “Edge Data Centers” to process data locally, moving away from the current reliance on overseas servers.
The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has identified specific targets for this “Universal Access” drive, including the connection of all 774 Local Government Area (LGA) headquarters to facilitate e-governance. The rollout is further expected to wire 38,800 public schools and 16,900 primary healthcare facilities to enable digital learning and telemedicine. This “mid-mile” infrastructure will serve as a backbone that private telecommunications companies can plug into, with the ministry stating the project aims at “significantly lowering the cost of data for the average Nigerian.”
Governance of the project will be managed through a private-sector-led SPV, in which the Federal Government will retain a minority stake of 25% to 49%. Managed as an independent limited liability company with its own board, the SPV is designed to remain “commercially viable and insulated from political interference.” By maintaining an “open access” model, the government intends to foster a competitive market where any internet provider can rent space on the fibre, ultimately ensuring long-term sustainability and affordable consumer pricing.
