The development of a Special Purpose Vehicle (“SPV”) aimed at deploying at least 90,000 km of Fiber Optic cables as Nigeria’s core connectivity infrastructure and national backbone for universal access to Information and Communication Technology across Nigeria.

1. INTRODUCTION
A. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (the “Ministry”) is implementing Project Bridge: Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth, an initiative to expand broadband infrastructure across Nigeria by deploying a 90,000km fibre optics network to drive digital transformation, enhance connectivity, and support economic growth (the “Project”).

B. As part of a transparent and inclusive process, the Ministry hereby invites all private sector parties interested in participating in the SPV to complete an investor consultation form.

2. OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT
A. The Project will be structured as a Public Private Partnership (“PPP”) where the Nigerian government will be a partner with a shareholding of not less than 25% but capped at 49% in the SPV established for the Project. The SPV will be managed independently as a limited liability company, with a competent Board of Directors with expertise in telecommunications, infrastructure, finance and other relevant industries and managed by an independent management company.

B. This initiative provides an opportunity for strategic investors to play a critical role in developing, financing, operating, and managing Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure.

C. The Ministry is issuing this invitation to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the Project’s implementation and private sector engagement.

D. This investor consultation aligns with expectations of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Act, 2005, the National Policy on Public-Private Partnerships and other relevant Nigerian procurement laws and regulations.

3. THE CONSULTATION FORM
A. The consultation form is designed to identify private-sector participants interested in investing in the Project.

B. This consultation is specifically open to private sector participants who meet the criteria listed below:
i. Legal Status: Be a legally registered entity in its country of incorporation. Investment firms (local or foreign) are also eligible to participate.
ii. Industry or infrastructure Experience: Demonstrate significant experience in broadband or telecommunications and/or have a proven track record in operating large-scale infrastructure projects or investments in similar projects worldwide.
iii. Financial Capability: The applicant must demonstrate substantial financial capacity with a proven ability to fund equity investments. This includes a track record of financial stability and access to sufficient capital to support the Project.
iv. Alignment with National Objectives: Show a commitment to aligning with the national broadband and digital economy objectives.
v. Corporate Governance: Possess a strong corporate governance framework and compliance with international best practices.

C. Interested private sector participants must complete a registration form via the official Ministry website HERE.

D. The Ministry reserves the right to follow up with selected participants for further discussions including a stakeholder event at a later date.

E. Please note that completing the form is not part of a procurement process nor does it confer any rights or obligations regarding participation in the Project. It is intended solely for information gathering and stakeholder engagement.

4. NEXT STEPS
A. The Ministry strongly encourages all interested private sector partners to complete the consultation form.

B. Following this consultation, the information received will be reviewed and considered before finalising the Project structure.

C. Further stakeholder engagements may be conducted as the Project progresses.

D. A competitive bidding process will commence eventually, beginning with the advertisement of a Request for Expression of Interest in accordance with Nigeria’s public procurement process.

E. The Ministry looks forward to active participation and contributions from all stakeholders in shaping Nigeria’s digital future under Project Bridge.

F. All information submitted through the consultation form will be treated as confidential and will be used solely for the purpose of assessing potential interest in Project Bridge, in line with applicable data protection laws.

G.For further inquiries, please contact:
Contact Name: Temiloluwa Okeowo
Email: projectbridge@fmcide.gov.ng
Website: www.fmcide.gov.ng

PLEASE FIND INVESTOR CONSULTATION FORM HERE.

Signed
Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo
Permanent Secretary
Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy