The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology, and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Dhikrullahi Olajide, has described as a significant development aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s digital economy, the United States government’s award of a $2.095 million grant to support the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria.
The announcement was made during the inaugural US-Nigeria Technology Dialogue, held on January 10, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The high-level roundtable, hosted by US Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell, had in attendance, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Dhikrullahi Olajide, alongside, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani among other top government functionaries, with discussions centered on deepening collaboration between both nations in areas critical to their digital economies.
The $2.095 million grant, according to Olajide, is in line with the commitment of the United States government to advancing a transformative digital partnership with Nigeria.
He said, the deployment of the fiber optic network integrates with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, which aims to ensure expansive broadband access and drive sustainable socio-economic development.
Hon. Olajide noted that an enhanced digital infrastructure will pave way for improved access to internet services, job creation and economic diversification in Nigeria.
“The partnership is a right step in the right direction for Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and this landmark funding agreement represents not just an investment in Nigeria’s digital future, but also a reinforcement of the enduring relationship between the two nations and will also serve as a model for international partnerships aimed at fostering sustainable development through technology.”
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