Govt Targets 20m Fresh Internet Subscribers With New Fibre-optics, Towers

The federal government has announced a major digital infrastructure project development aimed at connecting 20 million Nigerians currently excluded from the digital economy.

According to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the government will invest in “90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network” and fund “close to 7,000 telecom towers” to extend internet access nationwide.

Speaking during his keynote address at the 4th Nordic-Nigeria Connect 2025 in Lagos, themed “Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Impact,” Dr. Tijani stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said it reflects the administration’s goal of delivering shared prosperity through inclusive and sustainable digital development.

“We are investing in 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network to ensure that we can get the best internet to our people regardless of where they find themselves. We will fund close to 7,000 telecom towers to bring about 20 million Nigerians currently unconnected today into the digital economy.”

The minister further disclosed that a dedicated team of professionals has been appointed to oversee the repositioning of Nigeria’s national satellite infrastructure to support, “effective internet access and digital services across rural and urban areas. As access to affordable and meaningful connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic advantage, Tijani pointed to the country’s young and growing population as an asset in the digital age. He announced that the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, described as the largest tech talent initiative in the world, has received €12 million in support from the Danish government to further develop Nigeria’s technology workforce.

Tijani also outlined the government’s focus on modernising public service delivery through digital tools. “We have released our Digital Public Infrastructure Standard and Framework as a guide to how technology will be used to deliver public services moving forward. With the right systems in place, we can meet our people at their critical points of need,” he stated.

He underscored the importance of international cooperation, revealing that Nigeria is engaging with the Finnish government and, “exploring investment opportunities through platforms like FinFund for major infrastructure projects.’’ He affirmed that Nordic partnerships are central to Nigeria’s digital and development goals.

While signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Denmark, Tijani explained the deal focuses on multiple pillars.

“This MoU in particular will focus on connectivity, what we can do to get a deeper connectivity in Nigeria, both at the investment level but also trade.

“It will also focus on what we will call a sandbox for digital government initiative. Denmark is quite well known to be extremely innovative around solutions to help improve our government in serving its people.

“And we are looking to quickly implement and test them in our setting. Lastly, we also want to see whether there’s opportunity for young Nigerians to actually be able to serve and contribute to the workforce of companies in Denmark,’’ he said.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr Samuel Egube who represented Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the state governor will soon launch the Lagos-Nordic Innovation Corridor.

‘’The initiative is designed to position Lagos as the African gateway for Nordic solutions in smart cities, green energy, digital health, and food systems. This year’s edition of Nordic-Nigeria Connect is about scaling partnerships, not just starting conversations. With over 400 companies represented here today, this is a real commitment to co-creation,” he noted.

Nordic delegations reaffirmed their commitment to Nigeria’s development. Denmark’s State Secretary for Trade and Investment, H.E. Lina Gandløse Hansen, praised Nigeria’s potential, stating, “Denmark and Nigeria share the values of innovation and sustainability. We believe this is Africa’s century, and we are ready to invest and build.”

Officials from Finland, Sweden, and Norway echoed similar sentiments. Finland’s H.E. Jarno Syrjälä noted the alignment between Nordic expertise and Nigeria’s development goals. Sweden’s Johan Frisell emphasised collaboration in innovation and infrastructure. At the same time, Norway’s Ambassador Svein Baera stated that the Nordic-Nigeria partnership “exemplifies a shared vision of sustainable development, empowering communities and creating long-term value.”

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, urged development partners to expand their focus beyond Lagos. “With over 22 tertiary institutions in our city area, Enugu is a fertile ground for tech and talent,” he said.