FG Records 60% Progress on 90,000km Fibre-Optic Project

FG Records 60% Progress on 90,000km Fibre-Optic Project

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Nigeria’s plan to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable nationwide has reached 60 per cent completion, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has said.

Tijani disclosed this on Wednesday at the Global Privacy Day 2026 Press Conference organised by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in Abuja.

The event brought together government officials, regulators and stakeholders to discuss data protection and the continued growth of Nigeria’s digital space.

The fibre-optic rollout, known as Project Bridge, was launched in the fourth quarter of 2025 as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand broadband access and strengthen digital infrastructure across the country.

“When I talk about connecting 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable, it is not just a dream. I have actually done 60 per cent of that work,” Tijani said.

He explained that funding for the project has been secured, removing one of the major challenges to its completion.

According to him, the initiative sits at the heart of the government’s digital economy agenda and is critical to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.

The minister said reliable internet access has become a basic requirement for national development, noting that the fibre-optic project would help reduce the cost of internet services while improving the quality of connectivity nationwide.

Linking the project to President Bola Tinubu’s economic vision, Tijani said the communications ministry was playing a central role in the drive to build a $1 trillion economy.

He stressed that such an ambition could not be achieved without strong digital infrastructure.

“Digital infrastructure is the backbone of productivity in today’s economy,” he said.

According to him, improved connectivity would support businesses across various sectors of the economy. He added that small and medium-sized enterprises would benefit from faster internet access and better digital tools that can improve efficiency and competitiveness.

Beyond fibre deployment, Tijani said the Federal Government is also investing in other initiatives to improve nationwide connectivity.

He disclosed that rural telecommunication towers are being deployed to serve underserved and unserved communities.

He also revealed that plans are underway for the procurement of two new communication satellites. According to him, the combined projects are designed to close existing connectivity gaps and promote inclusive digital development.

“Our goal is to ensure that no part of Nigeria is left behind in the digital economy,” the minister said.

Tijani, however, stressed that the expansion of digital access must go hand in hand with strong data protection measures. He warned that access to technology without safeguards exposes citizens to serious risks.

He said protecting personal data is essential to building trust in digital systems and encouraging wider participation in the digital economy.

“Connectivity without protection and safeguard is incomplete. As we connect more people, we must protect their data and their rights,” he said.

The minister commended the Nigeria Data Protection Commission for its work, noting that President Tinubu demonstrated commitment to data protection by signing the Nigeria Data Protection Commission Act shortly after assuming office in 2023.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, described data protection as a critical pillar of digital development.

He said trust remains the foundation of the digital economy. “Trust is currency in the digital age,” Gagare said.

According to him, citizens are more willing to use digital services when they are confident that their personal information is secure. He added that strong data protection frameworks encourage broader adoption of technology.

Gagare urged public and private organisations to take data privacy seriously, stressing that compliance should not be treated as a formality but as a responsibility.

He also called on the media to support data protection efforts by helping to educate the public in clear and simple terms.

In his remarks, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said the commission has recorded steady progress since its establishment.

He noted that awareness of data protection has increased across different sectors of the economy, disclosing that the number of registered data controllers and processors has grown from 630 at inception to 38,000 in about two and a half years.

“This shows that organisations are beginning to understand the importance of data protection,” Olatunji said.

He explained that the commission has focused on education, engagement and enforcement to achieve the progress recorded so far. According to him, NDPC has expanded its activities through school programmes, youth engagement and professional certification.

Olatunji added that data protection is also creating new opportunities for young people, as the sector continues to open up new career paths and economic prospects.

“Data protection is not just about regulation; it is also creating new career paths and economic opportunities,” he said.

Speakers at the event agreed that Nigeria’s digital future depends on striking the right balance.

They stressed that expanding infrastructure such as fibre-optic cables must go hand in hand with robust data protection frameworks to achieve inclusive and sustainable digital growth.