The federal government and the World Bank have launched a collaborative initiative to provide digital broadband access across Nigeria, in what officials say is a critical step toward boosting economic growth, job creation, and human capital development.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Anshula Kant, managing director and chief financial officer of the World Bank Group, said the global financial institution is working closely with the Nigerian government on a large-scale programme to deliver nationwide digital infrastructure.
“One of the biggest forthcoming projects will be in the digital space, providing digital broadband access across the country,” Kant said. “We have projects in the agribusiness space, we have projects in the energy space, we have projects in the social protection, education, and health space. So, we are working very closely together with this.”
Kant, who was accompanied by World Bank advisor Mayank Goyal, Nigeria country manager Taimur Samad, and Nigeria’s minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, said the development priorities of the World Bank aligned strongly with Nigeria’s national agenda.
Also present at the meeting were the minister of communications and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, and chief of staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila.
“Our key priorities and Nigeria’s key priorities really resonate well together,” Kant said. “Today, the World Bank Group is on a mission to eradicate poverty on a livable planet. What does that mean? Accelerated growth and better jobs for young people.”
She stressed that sustainable economic growth requires a dual focus on physical infrastructure and human capital investment, adding: “To achieve this, we must create an enabling environment, which includes access to energy, digital services, higher agricultural productivity, better health services, and education. Human capital development is of critical importance.”
Kant praised the Tinubu administration for its economic reform programme and noted that the early signs of progress were already visible.
“We are encouraged by the government’s bold macroeconomic reforms,” she said. “We believe that with the right infrastructure and policies in place, Nigeria can accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth.”
The World Bank’s broadband initiative comes as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, expand job opportunities, and bridge the country’s digital divide, particularly in underserved rural areas.
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