The European Union has committed up to 14 million euros in grant funding to support Nigeria’s planned deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure to expand broadband access nationwide. The funding will cover network design, project preparation, technical studies and capacity building as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to improve internet connectivity and strengthen the digital economy. The agreement was signed in Abuja by representatives of the Federal Government, the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the grant will be administered by the EBRD to support preparations for the nationwide fibre-optic backbone project. The proposed infrastructure is expected to improve broadband availability, support businesses and extend digital services to underserved communities across the country. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said the partnership would strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and contribute to economic development.