The Federal Government, the European Union (EU) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed a €14 million grant agreement to support the development of a nationwide fibre-optic network spanning approximately 90,000 kilometres.
The agreement, signed in Abuja on Wednesday, will fund project scoping, network design, project preparation and capacity building for the proposed infrastructure, according to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The project is aimed at expanding access to affordable broadband, strengthening digital services and promoting inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
The initiative is supported by the EU and administered by the EBRD.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, described the partnership as a significant intervention in the development of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and the advancement of its broader economic priorities.
Bagudu said the grant would support the technical design and preparation of the project, as well as institutional development, capacity building and knowledge transfer.
He explained that these components were essential to ensuring effective project implementation, strengthening local expertise and promoting the long-term sustainability of investments in digital infrastructure.
According to the minister, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning will coordinate and oversee the project, while the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy will share responsibility for technical implementation through established project coordination and implementation structures.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding partnership with the EU and other development partners, noting their contributions to the country’s economic reforms and development objectives.
Bagudu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to international cooperation and strategic partnerships to expand digital connectivity, strengthen institutional capacity and drive inclusive economic growth.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Deborah Odoh, described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and project implementation capacity.
Odoh thanked the EU and the EBRD for their continued support, assuring them of the government’s commitment to transparent coordination, effective project delivery and sustained engagement with development partners.
She said the ministry would execute the grant agreement on behalf of the Federal Government, while the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy would oversee technical implementation through its project implementation units.
The EU representative to Nigeria, Mr Massimo De Luca, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to deepening its digital partnership with Nigeria through investment, collaboration and the timely implementation of projects designed to support the country’s digital transformation.
De Luca emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between Nigeria and its international partners in achieving shared development objectives and expanding digital infrastructure.
He also commended the minister and other stakeholders for their contributions to the agreement, describing continued cooperation as essential to achieving meaningful development outcomes.
In a virtual address, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy thanked the EU delegation, Nigerian partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to the signing ceremony.
The representative said the agreement would strengthen institutional cooperation, encourage innovation, develop technical skills and support sustainable development.
The address highlighted the partnership as an example of the progress achievable through coordinated efforts and a shared commitment to national development.
The representative expressed optimism that the project would establish a strong foundation for deeper cooperation and further growth in Nigeria’s digital sector.
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