In a move set to redefine West Africa’s digital landscape, the World Bank and the Nigerian Government have finalized May 13, 2026, as the official deadline for private sector bids for Project BRIDGE (Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth).
This $2 billion initiative represents one of the largest public-private partnerships in African history, aimed at bridging the “digital divide” by expanding Nigeria’s fiber optic backbone from its current 35,000 kilometers to a staggering 125,000 kilometers.
The centerpiece of Project BRIDGE is the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of new fiber-optic cable. Currently, Nigeria’s internet infrastructure is heavily concentrated in urban coastal hubs like Lagos. This project seeks to democratize access by Connecting all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Linking over 200,000 public institutions, including schools, primary health centers, and judicial offices. Reducing data costs by creating an “open-access” network that allows multiple internet service providers (ISPs) to compete on the same infrastructure.
The $2 billion project is a masterclass in blended finance. The Nigerian government is leveraging sovereign guarantees to unlock a mix of multilateral loans and private capital:
• World Bank: $500 Million (Lead Financier)
• African Development Bank (AfDB): $200 Million
• Other Multilateral Partners: $100 Million
• Private Sector Capital (Target): $1.2 Billion
By requiring the private sector to provide over 50% of the funding, the World Bank ensures that the project remains commercially viable and efficiently managed, rather than being a purely state-run utility.
Unlike previous infrastructure projects, Project BRIDGE will be managed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). This entity will operate on an “open-access” basis.
Key Takeaway: The SPV model prevents any single telecommunications giant from monopolizing the new fiber lines. Instead, it creates a level playing field where smaller local ISPs can rent capacity at regulated, affordable rates to serve rural communities.
The May 13 deadline is for the Pre-Qualification of Private Sector Investors. Following this:
1. Evaluation Phase: The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy will vet bidders for technical expertise and financial liquidity.
2. Shortlisting: Successful firms will be invited to submit final technical and financial proposals by Q3 2026.
3. Groundbreaking: Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with a phased rollout over three years.
With Nigeria’s population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, the government views Project BRIDGE as essential “economic oxygen.” By providing the plumbing for the digital economy, Nigeria hopes to boost its GDP by an estimated 3% to 5% annually through the growth of fintech, edtech, and remote work opportunities.
As the clock ticks toward May 13, the global tech and investment communities are watching closely to see who will win the rights to build the backbone of Nigeria’s digital future.
