The Federal Government has invited the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support the design and financing of the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D-VIBE), also referred to as Project BRIDGE, aimed at expanding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and stimulating job creation.
According to a statement released by the AfDB on its website, the project plans to increase Nigeria’s fibre backbone from 35,000km to at least 125,000km, positioning the country as home to Africa’s third-longest terrestrial fibre network, following Egypt and South Africa.
The bank noted that the expansion seeks to address significant infrastructure gaps, as the current fibre coverage serves only about one-third of the nation’s connectivity needs.
“By extending connectivity to underserved and unserved communities, the initiative is designed to strengthen digital inclusion,” the AfDB said.
“It will enhance broadband access and also stimulate employment opportunities across the country.”
As part of the project’s implementation, a consultancy firm will provide communications, planning, and stakeholder management services for D-VIBE-related events.
The firm will support the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), and the AfDB in coordinating and delivering project events, including managing communications, stakeholder participation, and protocol before, during, and after each engagement.
The activities are expected to align with the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), which was published as part of the Environmental and Social Requirements during the project’s preparation phase.
The consultancy will also directly support AfDB-related financing for the initiative.
