Nigerian telecom operators planned to invest N1.86tn ($1.38bn) in 2026 for infrastructure upgrades, network expansion, and improved service quality. The investment commitment came as the sector recorded strong growth in data consumption and broadband adoption, reinforcing telecommunications as the backbone of financial services, e-commerce, education, and digital government services.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria noted that the Federal Government's renewed focus on national digital infrastructure, particularly Project BRIDGE, was a major confidence booster for the industry. Project BRIDGE, launched under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, is a $2bn initiative to expand Nigeria's existing 35,000 kilometres of fibre, creating a national network of about 125,000 kilometres.
The project aims to deliver high-speed, resilient, and equitable internet access across the country, reaching all 774 local government headquarters, schools, health facilities, and underserved communities. Fibre rollout was scheduled to start in Q1 2026, covering 90,000 kilometres over five years, with route surveys and capacity-building initiatives already underway.