Nigeria’s fibre optic cables surpass 101,000 km

Nigeria’s total laid fibre optic cables have surpassed 101,000 kilometres, with ongoing broadband programmes now shifting focus toward last-mile distribution to connect 130 million citizens.

A telecom sector infrastructure report revealed that Nigeria’s total laid fibre optic cables have surpassed 101,000 kilometres. The Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy confirmed that ongoing broadband programmes under Project BRIDGE are now shifting focus toward last-mile distribution to connect over 130 million citizens currently lacking direct high-speed internet access.

The achievement is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. The country has been investing in fibre optic cables for years, and the 101,000-kilometre mark represents a major step towards universal broadband access. The shift to last-mile distribution will bring high-speed internet to millions of Nigerians who have been left behind.

This echoes the 2010s broadband expansion efforts, which also sought to connect underserved communities. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a recognition that digital infrastructure is essential for economic development.

The winners: Nigerians who will gain access to high-speed internet; and the Nigerian digital economy, which will benefit from increased connectivity. The losers: the Nigerian government, which must continue to invest in infrastructure; and the Nigerian public, who must wait for the benefits to materialise.

Bottom Line: Nigeria’s fibre optic cables have surpassed 101,000 kilometres. The focus is now on last-mile distribution. The question is whether the government can connect 130 million citizens.