Nigeria’s digital infrastructure drive has received a major boost as Project BRIDGE secured fresh international funding totalling over $120 million in investments and grants.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has formally approved a $100 million investment in the initiative, while the European Union has committed a €22 million grant under its €45 million Digital Economy Package.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed the development via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, noting that the approvals followed extensive engagements during the final leg of Project BRIDGE’s investment tour across Europe.
According to Tijani, the EBRD’s $100 million commitment adds to the previously approved $500 million financing from the World Bank Group in support of the project.
He also confirmed the signing of the European Union Digital Economy Package valued at €45 million. Of that amount, €22 million is earmarked directly for Project BRIDGE, while €18 million will support Digital Public Services and €5 million will fund the 3MTT Nigeria Programme, a federal initiative focused on developing digital skills.
Tijani described the approvals as “deeply reassuring,” highlighting the intensive diplomatic and investment engagements undertaken across six countries within two weeks to secure the partnerships.
Project BRIDGE aims to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide, significantly expanding broadband penetration and improving connectivity across Nigeria. The government says the infrastructure rollout is central to driving digital inclusion, innovation and economic growth, particularly in underserved and rural communities.