FG begins 90,000km fibre optic cable deployment

Ministry of Communications launches implementation stage of its 90,000-kilometre nationwide fibre optic cable deployment to elevate broadband coverage in rural areas.

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy launched the implementation stage of its 90,000-kilometre nationwide fibre optic cable deployment. The digital infrastructure expansion project aims to elevate national broadband coverage and improve high-speed internet reliability across underserved rural areas.

The fibre optic cable deployment is one of the most ambitious digital infrastructure projects in Nigeria’s history. The 90,000-kilometre network will connect millions of Nigerians to high-speed internet, unlocking new opportunities for education, business and healthcare. The focus on rural areas is particularly important, as they have been left behind in previous digital infrastructure rollouts.

This echoes the 2018 broadband expansion, which also sought to improve internet access. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a focus on bridging the digital divide.

The winners: rural communities, which will gain access to high-speed internet; and the Nigerian economy, which benefits from improved connectivity. The losers: the Nigerian government, which must ensure the project is completed on time; and the Nigerian public, who must wait for the benefits.

Bottom Line: Nigeria is deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable. The goal is to connect underserved rural areas. The question is whether the project will be completed or abandoned.