USTDA Partners Communications Ministryto Advance Internet Access

Arthur Eriye

The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has announced the award of a grant to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) for a feasibility study to support internet access for 12 million people through the deployment of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across the country.

The ministry, it stated has selected Washington-D.C.-based HIP Consult Inc. to conduct the study.

“As Nigeria and the United States deepen our cooperation in the technology sector, USTDA is proud to partner with FMCIDE to deliver concrete action in support our shared digital infrastructure goals,” said USTDA’s Director, Enoh T. Ebong. “This project will help expand connectivity to Nigeria’s urban and rural communities while opening opportunities for trusted U.S. technologies to advance the country’s digital priorities.”

Ebong signed the grant agreement with the Minister of  communication, Dr. Bosun Tijani at the Inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue, held at the U.S. Department of State.

The study will support Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, particularly its targets to increase the country’s broadband penetration rate from the current 42.27% to 70% and to ensure that at least 90% of the population has access to affordable, reliable broadband coverage.

The study will assess the deployment of at least 90,000 kilometers of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure along existing routes of the national power grid, railways, roads, and oil and gas pipelines. It will identify gaps in the backbone infrastructure market and develop strategies to bridge those gaps to strengthen connectivity across Nigeria, including to underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

Tijani said: “I am pleased to receive this grant from USTDA to fund this feasibility study which is a critical component of our plan to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across Nigeria. This is further testament to our long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in technology infrastructure development. I look forward to further collaboration and investments from partners in in the U.S. government and private sector, especially in projects like these that support the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“This partnership exemplifies the strong and growing relationship between Nigeria and the United States in the technology sector,” said Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, who opened the inaugural technology dialogue. “By working together on this critical infrastructure project, we are not only enhancing internet access for millions of Nigerians but also creating opportunities for U.S. businesses to contribute their expertise and innovative solutions. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth and digital inclusion in Nigeria.”

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard M. Mills, Jr. said: “The launch of the Fiber Forward Project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with Nigeria. By enhancing connectivity, we are not only bridging the digital divide but also creating inclusive economic opportunities for all Nigerians. This project will empower communities, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth across the nation.”