Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State and a prominent political figure who recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has publicly endorsed the Federal Government’s ambitious plan to deploy a 9,000-kilometer fiber optic network across Nigeria.
The initiative, announced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aims to revolutionize the country’s digital infrastructure by expanding broadband access, particularly in underserved rural and semi-urban areas. The project is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy, which seeks to enhance connectivity, promote e-governance, and drive economic growth through technological innovation.
El-Rufai, speaking at a public event, described the fiber optic network as a transformative step toward bridging Nigeria’s digital divide, which has long hindered access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in remote regions. He highlighted the project’s potential to create thousands of jobs, both directly through infrastructure development and indirectly through the growth of digital businesses. The 9,000-kilometer network is expected to connect all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a focus on integrating rural communities into the digital economy. The initiative aligns with global trends toward digital transformation, positioning Nigeria to compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Despite his praise, El-Rufai’s endorsement comes with political undertones. Since leaving the APC, he has positioned himself as a leading opposition figure, forming alliances with other political heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. His support for the fiber optic project is seen by analysts as a calculated move to maintain relevance in national discourse while appealing to tech-savvy and youth demographics.
The project, managed by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, has a multi-year implementation timeline, with initial phases targeting completion by 2027. Challenges such as funding, vandalism of infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles remain, but the government has secured partnerships with international tech firms to ensure its success. El-Rufai urged stakeholders to prioritize transparency in the project’s execution to maximize its impact.