Nigeria’s push to deepen digital transformation received a major lift this week as the European Union announced a €45 million investment under the EU–Nigeria Digital Economy Package.
The funding is targeted at strengthening secure connectivity, digital infrastructure, e-governance systems, digital entrepreneurship, and advanced digital skills across the country.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed the development, describing it as a significant endorsement of Nigeria’s ongoing reforms and its ambition to build a resilient and inclusive digital economy.
According to the Minister, the investment reflects the EU’s growing confidence in Nigeria’s digital transition agenda and provides a strong platform for long-term collaboration across multiple layers of the digital ecosystem.
Focus areas for investment
Dr Tijani noted that the €45 million package will support several strategic pillars, including secure network infrastructure, expansion of digital public infrastructure, capacity building for civil service digitisation, and programmes that foster innovation and technology entrepreneurship.
- The package also covers the development of advanced digital skills, with alignment to existing government initiatives such as the 3MTT (3 Million Technical Talent) programme.
- “This investment spans critical areas including secure connectivity, digital infrastructure, e-Governance and Digital Public Infrastructure, digital entrepreneurship, and advanced digital skills development,” he said.
- He added that the package forms part of a larger EU support framework aimed at boosting Nigeria’s digital transition and creating stronger pathways for technology adoption and economic participation.
- EU–Nigeria Digital Open Day sets the tone
Before the formal announcement, Dr Tijani joined global leaders and EU officials in Belgium for the EU–Nigeria Digital Open Day, where discussions centred on priority areas for the partnership. The sessions covered secure connectivity and infrastructure rollout, e-government tools, digital trade, digital skills development, and innovation ecosystem growth.
Each segment, he said, identified practical opportunities for investment and collaboration, reinforcing a shared vision for a digitally enabled Nigeria.
“The discussions highlighted concrete pathways for collaboration, investment, and technology exchange,” the Minister noted. “This partnership represents a significant step forward for Nigeria.”
Strengthening digital inclusion and long-term reforms
The Minister said the funding will support flagship government initiatives such as Project BRIDGE, an effort aimed at expanding broadband access and digital inclusion across underserved areas.
He added that by strengthening digital public infrastructure and promoting advanced skills development, the partnership will create more opportunities for young Nigerians to participate in the global digital economy.
“It strengthens our capacity to execute transformative initiatives such as Project BRIDGE, expand digital inclusion nationwide, and unlock new opportunities for young Nigerians,” Dr Tijani said.
The Minister emphasised that the EU–Nigeria digital partnership stands as one of the anchor components of the bloc’s Global Gateway strategy in Africa, highlighting Nigeria’s position as a key partner in shaping the continent’s digital future.
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