The federal government of Nigeria is set to expend about $6.1 million on consultancy services as it pushes forward with a $2 billion nationwide fibre-optic expansion aimed at strengthening broadband access.
According to a World Bank procurement report released on March 17, 2026. The advisory engagement is part of efforts to ensure proper structuring, implementation and execution of the ambitious digital infrastructure project, which is expected to significantly improve internet penetration and connectivity across the country.
The fibre rollout initiative is designed as part of the Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth (BRIDGE) programme, a $2 billion initiative designed to expand Nigeria’s broadband backbone enhance digital inclusion and support the growth of the country’s digital economy.
The government’s plan involves deploying extensive fibre infrastructure to underserved and unserved areas, a move that could unlock opportunities in e-commerce, fintech, education and other technology-driven sectors.
Industry stakeholders note that the appointment of advisers is critical to navigating technical, financial and regulatory complexities associated with large-scale infrastructure projects of this nature.
The project, estimated at $2 billion, is expected to be executed through strategic partnerships and funding arrangements, including possible private sector participation. While disbursements from the World Bank will be phased, tied to the achievement of specific targets.
Hence, an initial tranche of $6 million is scheduled for release in 2026 to facilitate the establishment of a special purpose vehicle responsible for project execution.
Subsequent funding will be contingent on key benchmarks, including the deployment of the first 5,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure and subsequent expansion phases aimed at reaching up to 90,000 kilometres.
Based on the acquisition schedule, the most substantial agreements are each worth $1.5 million. One engagement, covering the role of transaction adviser, was finalised on February 20, 2026. Another, designed to support university-led national digital economy research clusters entered the procurement phase in March and remains ongoing.
Further critical advisory engagements are centred on implementation risks that have hindered comparable projects in the past. However, a $750,000 contract addressing legal and regulatory compliance was concluded on February 19, 2026, to assist in navigating Nigeria’s intricate telecom and infrastructure regulations.
Meanwhile, an $850,000 agreement for technical planning and infrastructure advisory services, which commenced procurement in July 2025, is yet to be finalised.
Additional engagements comprise $750,000 for environmental and social impact advisory, $300,000 for supply chain and procurement strategy, and $150,000 for a baseline skills and capacity assessment alongside the design of a national training programme. The majority of these assignments remain in the procurement stage, indicating that the project is still largely in its preparatory phase.
While improved broadband penetration remains central to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, as reliable internet infrastructure is increasingly seen as a backbone for innovation, job creation and productivity growth.
Even as the development comes amid ongoing efforts by authorities to expand the country’s digital ecosystem and position Nigeria as a leading technology hub in Africa.
