Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea Seal Pact on Subsea Fibre-Optic Cable to Boost Broadband, Cybersecurity

 

 

Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have signed a bilateral agreement to deploy subsea fibre-optic infrastructure aimed at strengthening broadband capacity, digital communications and regional cybersecurity cooperation.

The development was disclosed on Monday by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, via a post on X, noting that the initiative is designed to deepen cross-border digital connectivity and reinforce regional technology resilience.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Equatorial Guinea, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, said the project builds on earlier diplomatic engagements between both countries, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the Central African nation in August 2024, when multiple cooperation agreements were reached.

According to Tuggar, the subsea fibre-optic cable project is expected to significantly expand broadband infrastructure and improve digital linkages across African markets.

He said, “This initiative is a follow-up to previous high-level engagements and agreements. The fibre-optic subsea cable will enhance broadband penetration and digital communication. It is critical to the kind of interconnectivity Africa needs to integrate markets and unlock shared economic benefits.”

The minister added that the partnership underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration and African-led digital solutions, while also boosting investor confidence through infrastructure that supports connectivity, resilience and inclusive growth.

The agreement on principles was signed by Backbone Connectivity Network Nigeria Ltd (BNC), represented by Ibrahim Dikko, and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Artificial Intelligence Systems, Honorato Evita Oma. The signing was supervised by Equatorial Guinea’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Business Promotion and Industry, Gaudencio Mohaba.

Officials say the project is expected to open new opportunities for collaboration in digital infrastructure development and cybersecurity across the region.