Nigeria's fibre optic network heavily skewed to Lagos-Abuja as FG launches N300bn Project Bridge
Nigeria has 101,148.36km of fibre optic cable deployed nationwide, but 18,559.83km (18.35%) sits in just Lagos and Abuja combined. Lagos leads with 11,586.70km plus 7,996 BTS sites, while FCT has 6,973.13km and 2,884 BTS sites.
The imbalance reflects telecom investment focusing on commercial and administrative hubs. Other states trail significantly: Edo (4,789.72km), Kano (4,616.71km), Rivers (4,616.01km), Kaduna (4,339.85km), Ogun (4,246.48km). Meanwhile, Bayelsa (656.87km), Ebonyi (586.92km), and Zamfara (1,100.98km) remain underserved, affecting broadband quality and 4G/5G expansion.
Right of Way (RoW) charges block equitable deployment. Despite NEC's 2020 harmonized rate of N145 per linear metre, Ogun charges N6,600/m (highest), followed by Kano at N2,745/m and Delta at N2,706/m. Operators face hidden fees despite official waivers.
To address gaps, FG launches Project Bridge—a 90,000km fibre project seeking private investment. Already secured: $200 million from AfDB and $100 million from EBRD. However, stakeholders warn success depends on state governments abandoning RoW as IGR and tackling vandalism.
Telecom operators invested over N2.5 trillion in 2025 infrastructure, upgrading 2,800 sites to tackle congestion and coverage gaps.