The World Bank Group has announced a renewed commitment to deeper collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, unveiling plans for a transformative 90,000-kilometer fiber optic broadband project aimed at expanding digital access nationwide. The project is poised to become one of the largest broadband infrastructure initiatives globally, reinforcing Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions.

Major Partnership Unveiled in Abuja

Anshula Kant, the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of the World Bank, revealed the commitment during a high-level courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja on Wednesday. Kant explained that the new digital broadband infrastructure will form part of a comprehensive multi-sectoral development program currently underway between Nigeria and the World Bank.

“We are working very closely with the government to deliver transformative results in several areas. One of the biggest forthcoming projects will be in the digital space—providing broadband access across the country,” Kant stated.

The program also covers vital sectors such as energy, health, agriculture, and education, all of which are critical to Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Shared Goals: Empowering Youth and Developing Human Capital

During the meeting, Kant emphasized a shared alignment between Nigeria’s national priorities and the World Bank Group’s mission to promote inclusive growth on a livable planet. She highlighted the need for investments in human capital and digital innovation to unlock broader economic gains.

“Our priorities resonate deeply with those of Nigeria. We are focused on accelerated growth and quality jobs for young people, built on access to energy, digital services, education, and healthcare,” she said.

Kant noted that improving productivity in sectors like agriculture, while simultaneously advancing financial inclusion and social protection systems, will be key drivers of long-term progress.

Institutional Backing for Reform and Growth

Praising the Nigerian government’s economic reform agenda, Kant lauded the administration of President Tinubu for taking bold and necessary steps to stabilize the macroeconomic environment. She affirmed that the World Bank stands ready to expand its support as Nigeria embarks on a trajectory of reform and transformation.

“Nigeria is on the right path,” she declared. “The World Bank is committed to helping the country unlock faster development and create the jobs and opportunities needed to support its growing population.”

Historic Fiber Optic Initiative

The digital broadband project, which spans 90,000 kilometers across Nigeria, is expected to revolutionize connectivity, reduce the digital divide, and facilitate growth in various sectors including e-commerce, digital education, remote healthcare, and technology entrepreneurship.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, hailed the broadband initiative as a landmark investment in Nigeria’s future. He explained that the project was discussed extensively during the meeting with the World Bank delegation and emphasized its centrality to the country’s development agenda.

“This project is not just a major undertaking for Nigeria; it ranks among the largest fiber optic broadband rollouts globally,” Edun stated.

He further explained that the initiative will be executed in partnership with the World Bank and Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, led by Dr. Bosun Tijani.

Digital Infrastructure as a Growth Catalyst

The planned broadband infrastructure will provide the digital backbone for services across sectors, enabling millions of Nigerians—especially in underserved and rural areas—to access high-speed internet and participate in the digital economy.

Moreover, the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader objectives under its digital economy strategy, which seeks to create jobs, drive innovation, and boost productivity through enhanced digital access.

Government officials and World Bank representatives reiterated the importance of public-private cooperation in the successful implementation of the project, as well as the necessity of ensuring inclusion, affordability, and sustainability.

A Long-Term Vision for Economic Transformation

As Nigeria continues to grapple with youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, and gaps in service delivery, the broadband project represents a significant step toward closing developmental disparities. The World Bank’s partnership signals confidence in Nigeria’s reform momentum and long-term vision.

By focusing on digital transformation alongside improvements in human capital, agriculture, and infrastructure, the collaboration sets a new standard for development cooperation between Nigeria and global institutions.

With implementation plans moving ahead and strong political will from the Nigerian government, the ambitious fiber optic rollout is expected to begin reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape in the coming years.