Lagos Completes 3,500km First Phase of Fibre Optic Rollout

…Discloses Four Data Centres are Under Construction

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has confirmed that the state has successfully completed the first phase of its extensive fibre optic network project, laying down 3,500 kilometres of cable. This milestone is part of a larger initiative aiming to rollout a total of 6,800 kilometres of fibre optics designed to significantly boost internet bandwidth penetration for residents and businesses across the state while strengthen digital infrastructure.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made this disclosure during a courtesy visit by the Crown Princess of Sweden and Duchess of Vastergotland, Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice Desiree, and her entourage at the Lagos House, Marina.

The Governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, also highlighted that four data centres are currently under construction in the state. He stressed that Lagos, as the heartbeat of the country, is essential to Nigeria and important to Africa.

Also Read: Rack Centre to Launch 12MW Tier III Data Centre with Hybrid Power Sustainability

“We need a lot of technology. We are building fibre optics of about 6,800 kilometres across our state. We finished the first phase, about 3,500 kilometres, to increase the bandwidth penetration in our state. Interestingly, a lot of companies are coming. Google is building a data centre, and other companies are coming. About four data centres are being built now in Lagos.

“So for IT and other related infrastructure, Lagos is the place. With a population of 22 million, about twice the size of Sweden, the opportunity is wide, and we would like to engage,” he said.

He explained that the presence of multinational companies is a sign of confidence in Lagos’ digital ecosystem.

Also Read: Nigeria’s 90,000km Fibre Optic Cable Expansion Targets 50% Internet Inclusion, GDP Boost – Tijani

Speaking further, he noted that the State Government will strengthen its bilateral relationship with Sweden in information technology, cybersecurity and infrastructure for the benefit of residents of the State.

The Crown Princess of Sweden, Her Royal Highness Princess Alice Desiree, acknowledged Lagos as a key economic player in Nigeria, praising its growing business environment.

“We are very excited to be here and to see what the Swedish-Nigerian relationship can develop into. We see vast areas of potential for further growth and cooperation. We are very happy to be here with the Swedish companies already present in Nigeria,” she said.

Also speaking during the event, the Swedish Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Mr Andreas Carlson, stated that the visit by the Crown Princess aims to foster stronger bilateral ties focused on the green economy, digital innovation, and idea exchange.

He announced that the first Swedish Trade Office in Nigeria would be inaugurated in Lagos, describing the state as the ideal location to begin operations.

“Today, the Crown Princess Victoria will inaugurate a Swedish Trade Office here in Lagos, which will be the first trade office in Nigeria. We think Lagos is the place to start.”

“Her Royal Highness is here in Lagos to underline the importance of a strong relationship and partnership with Nigeria and Lagos State. We see opportunities to strengthen the already strong partnership between our two countries. We see opportunities when it comes to green and digital transition,” he said

He reiterated Sweden’s interest in deepening collaboration with Lagos and Nigeria at large.