The European Union has awarded Nigeria a €14 million grant to fund preparatory studies and technical work for a planned 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic network aimed at expanding access to high-speed internet.

The agreement was signed on October 14 in Abuja by representatives of the Nigerian government, the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which will administer the grant.

The funding will support technical studies, network planning and other preparatory activities required before the wider infrastructure project can be implemented.

The network is part of Nigeria’s BRIDGE initiative, which aims to extend fibre-optic infrastructure across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The project is intended to improve digital connectivity, including in areas where access to reliable broadband remains limited.

The Nigerian government views the expansion of digital infrastructure as a key step towards strengthening the country’s digital economy, improving access to online services and creating opportunities for businesses.

The €14 million grant will cover preparatory work rather than the full cost of deploying the network. Additional financing and implementation arrangements will be required to deliver the planned infrastructure.

The initiative comes as Nigeria seeks to expand broadband coverage and reduce the digital divide in Africa’s most populous country.