# Nigeria digital infrastructure and regional cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-digital-infrastructure-and-telecommunications
> Updated: 2026-09-17T01:31:20.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

Nigeria is focusing on enhancing its telecommunications and digital infrastructure to support economic growth and social inclusion. Initially, government officials emphasized that reliable data services have become “critical national infrastructure” affecting sectors like agriculture and healthcare. While noting high subscriber numbers, authorities called for better service quality, increased investment in fiber deployment, and improved rural coverage. Following these calls for improvement, the Nigerian government has moved toward active expansion and regional cooperation. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced plans to deploy 3,700 towers nationwide, with 200 new sites expected to be operational by December to reach underserved communities. This domestic push includes a 90,000-kilometre fiber optic network and satellite upgrades. Regional cooperation has intensified through bilateral ties with Chad. High-level discussions between Minister Tijani and Chadian Minister of Telecommunications, Haliki Choua Mahamat, have focused on the BRIDGE project. This initiative aims to establish fibre-optic connectivity from Chad to international networks via Lagos to improve broadband access and network resilience. The partnership also explores the digitalization of government services and potential collaborations in artificial intelligence and robotics. Recent developments see the unveiling of the National Digital Cloud Policy, which seeks to attract $750 million in private investment for cloud and data infrastructure over the next 24 months to establish Nigeria as a West African hosting hub. Under Project BRIDGE, the government plans to deploy 90,000 kilometres of open-access fibre, expanding the backbone to approximately 125,000 kilometres. To support human capital, a digital training academy has been launched to equip 32,000 citizens with skills in AI, cybersecurity, and software development. Additionally, the Telecoms and Technology Sustainability Working Group has proposed a National Telecom Sustainability Index (NTSI) to measure industry performance across pillars such as digital inclusion and infrastructure resilience.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Nigeria advances digital economy through cloud policy and fibre expansion

Nigeria is implementing a multi-pronged digital strategy, including a new cloud policy to attract $750 million, plans for 90,000km of fibre expansion, and a proposed sustainability index for telecoms.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-and-chad-advance-digital-and-fibre-optic-cooperation

### 2026-09-15: Nigeria expands digital infrastructure and cooperation with Chad

Nigeria and Chad are expanding digital cooperation while Nigeria accelerates domestic telecom infrastructure projects to connect 20 million people via new towers and fibre optic networks.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-expands-digital-infrastructure-and-cooperation-with-chad

### 2026-08-27: Nigeria seeks improved telecom services to drive economic growth

Presidential adviser Sunday Dare has called for improved telecommunications service quality and expanded broadband connectivity to drive Nigeria’s economic growth and national productivity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-seeks-improved-telecom-services-to-drive-economic-growth

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Cite as: Nigeria digital infrastructure and regional cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-digital-infrastructure-and-telecommunications