ABUJA, Nigeria (Oct. 15) — The federal government, the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development have signed a €14 million grant agreement to develop Nigeria’s fibre-optic backbone.

‎The agreement was signed in Abuja on Wednesday.

‎The grant will fund scoping, design, preparation and capacity building for a nationwide fibre-optic network. The project plans to deploy about 90,000 kilometers of fibre to expand broadband access and support economic growth.

‎The EU is supporting the grant. The EBRD will administer it.

‎Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Abubakar Bagudu said the partnership is important for Nigeria’s digital and economic growth. He said the grant will help with technical design, capacity building and knowledge transfer.

‎Bagudu said his ministry will coordinate the project. The Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy will handle technical implementation.

Permanent Secretary Deborah Odoh said the agreement is a milestone for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. She said the Budget ministry will execute the grant, while the Communications ministry will oversee implementation.

‎EU Head of Delegation to Nigeria Massimo De Luca said the EU remains committed to Nigeria’s digital transformation through investment and timely project delivery.

‎A representative of the Ministry of Communications, speaking virtually, said the project will strengthen cooperation, build skills and support sustainable development.

The government said it is committed to expanding digital access and working with international partners.