FBNQuest has been appointed as Transaction Advisor for Project BRIDGE, a landmark $2 billion national broadband initiative aimed at expanding Nigeria’s fibre-optic infrastructure and strengthening nationwide digital connectivity.
The initiative is being led by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Bosun Tijani. Project BRIDGE represents a major step toward accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation and enabling inclusive economic growth through enhanced digital infrastructure.
FBNQuest’s appointment reflects its strong expertise in financial advisory, infrastructure project structuring, and capital mobilisation, positioning the firm to support the successful delivery of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious digital infrastructure projects.
Overview of Project BRIDGE
Project BRIDGE is a strategic national initiative designed to significantly expand Nigeria’s fibre-optic broadband infrastructure. With an estimated investment value of $2 billion, the project aims to address connectivity gaps across the country and improve access to high-speed internet services.
The programme seeks to:
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Expand fibre-optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria
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Improve broadband penetration nationwide
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Strengthen digital connectivity in underserved and rural areas
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Support the rapid growth of Nigeria’s digital economy
Through the expansion of broadband infrastructure, Project BRIDGE is expected to enable improved digital access for businesses, government institutions, and millions of Nigerians.
Strategic Role of FBNQuest
As Transaction Advisor, FBNQuest will play a critical role in the financial and commercial structuring of the project, ensuring that the initiative is positioned to attract sustainable investment and deliver long-term value.
Key responsibilities include:
Project Structuring
FBNQuest will support the development of the financial and operational framework required to deliver the project effectively.
Public-Private Partnership Development
The firm will assist in structuring the initiative as a bankable Public-Private Partnership (PPP), ensuring alignment between government objectives and private sector participation.
Capital Mobilisation
FBNQuest will help mobilise local and international capital required to finance the expansion of fibre infrastructure across Nigeria.
Transaction Advisory
The firm will guide the transaction process, including investor engagement, procurement support, and financial modelling.
Through these responsibilities, FBNQuest will help ensure that Project BRIDGE achieves financial viability, investor confidence, and long-term sustainability.
Alignment with Nigeria’s National Development Agenda
Project BRIDGE aligns with the broader economic transformation agenda of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The administration has placed significant emphasis on:
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Expanding digital infrastructure
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Driving innovation and technology-led growth
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Increasing private sector participation in national infrastructure development
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Strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy
By facilitating investment in broadband infrastructure, Project BRIDGE supports these priorities and contributes to the government’s long-term vision of building a globally competitive digital economy.
Key Stakeholders
The successful implementation of Project BRIDGE involves collaboration among several public and private sector stakeholders.
Key individuals involved in the project include:
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Bosun Tijani, who is leading the national strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem.
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Jumoke Akande, Project Coordinator at the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), responsible for overseeing the execution of Project BRIDGE.
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Yetunde Falore, who plays an important role in supporting financial and advisory engagements related to the project.
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Afolabi Olorode, Acting Managing Director/CEO of Quest Merchant Bank, contributing financial sector expertise to the initiative.
These stakeholders collectively represent government leadership, project implementation oversight, and financial advisory support necessary for the successful delivery of the initiative.
Expected Impact on Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The successful execution of Project BRIDGE is expected to deliver significant economic and social benefits across Nigeria.
Improved Broadband Access
Expansion of fibre-optic networks will increase internet availability and reliability nationwide.
Economic Growth and Innovation
Improved connectivity will support Nigeria’s growing technology ecosystem, including fintech, digital services, and startups.
Job Creation
Infrastructure deployment and digital sector expansion will create new employment opportunities across multiple industries.
Digital Inclusion
The project will help bridge the digital divide by improving access to connectivity in underserved communities.
Enhanced Government Services
Improved broadband infrastructure will enable the expansion of e-government services and digital public infrastructure.
Public-Private Partnership Model
A key feature of Project BRIDGE is its Public-Private Partnership (PPP), framework, which will enable collaboration between government and private investors.
Through this model:
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Government provides policy support and strategic direction
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Private sector investors contribute capital and technical expertise
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Financial advisors structure viable investment frameworks
As Transaction Advisor, FBNQuest will play an important role in ensuring the PPP structure is commercially viable, transparent, and attractive to investors.
Conclusion
The appointment of FBNQuest as Transaction Advisor for Project BRIDGE marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to expand its digital infrastructure and strengthen the digital economy.
By supporting the structuring of a $2 billion broadband infrastructure initiative, FBNQuest will contribute to mobilising investment, enabling private sector participation, and accelerating nationwide connectivity.
Under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and Honourable Minister Bosun Tijani, Project BRIDGE represents a transformative step toward building the digital foundations required for Nigeria’s future economic growth.
Through its advisory role, FBNQuest looks forward to supporting the development of a sustainable and impactful digital infrastructure project that will unlock new opportunities for businesses, communities, and millions of Nigerians.
