FG to connect schools and hospitals to broadband with World Bank loan
The Federal Government is set to connect 55,675 public schools and health facilities to broadband internet through a $500m World Bank–backed initiative. The project, known as BRIDGE, aims to expand high-quality, climate-resilient digital infrastructure in underserved areas. According to the World Bank’s Implementation Status and Results Report, the plan includes significant private sector participation and is expected to boost broadband access nationwide. The programme also targets improvements in affordability, speed, and digital literacy.
What we know
- The BRIDGE project aims to connect 38,803 public schools and 16,872 health facilities by September 2030.
- The World Bank Board approved the project on October 6, 2025, with another approval date mentioned as October 8, 2025.
- Broadband-connected facilities are projected to increase from 33,628 in September 2025 to 59,103 by the end of the project.
- The project expects to attract up to $1.1bn in private investment by September 2030, despite no private capital mobilised as of December 2025.
- The $500m IDA loan had not been disbursed as of January 2026, as the facility was yet to become effective.
