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 known as Project BRIDGE.

The AfDB said this in a statement on its website.

According to the bank, the project aims to expand Nigeria’s fibre backbone from 35,000km to at least 125,000km, making it Africa’s third-longest terrestrial fibre network after Egypt and South Africa.

It said the expansion was expected to address existing infrastructure gaps, as current fibre coverage reportedly met only about one-third of the country’s national needs.

“By extending connectivity to underserved and unserved communities, the initiative is designed to strengthen digital inclusion.

”It will enhance broadband access and also stimulate employment opportunities across the country,” the bank said.

It said as part of project implementation, a consultancy would 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.

“Its responsibilities will include managing event communications, stakeholder participation, protocol and engagement before, during and after each event.

“The activities are expected to align with the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), published as an Environmental and Social Requirement during preparation.

”It will also directly support AfDB-related financing for the initiative,” it stated.