ATCON Backs $900 Million Project BRIDGE to Drive Nationwide Broadband via Local ISPs

ATCON supports a $900 million World Bank-backed broadband initiative to empower local ISPs and expand fibre optic networks across Nigeria.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 10:13 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Strategic Investment in Digital Infrastructure

The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has announced its formal support for a massive $900 million broadband expansion initiative designed to overhaul the nation’s digital landscape. Speaking at the association’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos, ATCON President Tony Emoekpere emphasized that the project is essential for moving connectivity beyond urban hubs. This initiative, known as Project BRIDGE, represents a collaborative financial effort involving the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Agence Française de Développement.

Empowering Local Internet Service Providers

A central pillar of this $900 million push is the empowerment of indigenous Internet Service Providers (ISPs). ATCON argues that local operators are uniquely positioned to handle "last-mile" connectivity, bringing tailored internet services to rural wards and grassroots communities. By utilizing an open-access model, the project aims to level the playing field, allowing smaller Nigerian companies to compete with larger telecommunications giants. Stakeholders believe this shift will be the catalyst for a new wave of innovation in FinTech and software development outside of major metropolitan areas.

Funding Breakdown of Project BRIDGE

The financial architecture of the initiative is a mix of international development funds: