Quest Merchant Bank has been officially appointed as the Transaction Advisor for Project BRIDGE (Broadband Infrastructure Development for Digital Economy), a national broadband initiative spearheaded by Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani.
Project BRIDGE is a strategic programme aimed at transforming Nigeria’s digital landscape by expanding fibre-optic infrastructure nationwide. The initiative will deploy approximately 90,000 kilometres of open-access fibre-optic cable, strengthen broadband connectivity, and drive inclusive digital and economic growth across the country.
Brandspur Brand News reports that under its mandate, Quest Merchant Bank will provide critical support to the FMCIDE and the Project BRIDGE Implementation Unit in structuring and executing the project’s financial and commercial framework. The role includes designing bankable investment structures, facilitating investor engagement, and establishing a public–private partnership framework to ensure the project’s success and long-term sustainability.
Commenting on the appointment, Afolabi Olorode, Acting Managing Director/CEO of Quest Merchant Bank, said, “Project BRIDGE is a transformative step in reinforcing Nigeria’s digital backbone. We are proud to partner with the Ministry under Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani’s leadership, applying our transaction advisory and infrastructure finance expertise to create a robust, investable framework that will attract private sector capital and drive national development.”
Yetunde Falore, Head of Investment Banking at Quest Merchant Bank, added, “Nigeria’s digital economy is entering a pivotal phase. Project BRIDGE will expand connectivity, deepen digital inclusion, and promote sustainable economic growth. We are committed to ensuring timely and efficient project delivery in our capacity as Transaction Advisor.”
Aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope National Transformation Agenda, Project BRIDGE seeks to expand digital infrastructure, enhance technology-driven productivity, and increase private-sector participation in critical national assets. The initiative is expected to unlock economic opportunities across education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, and innovation ecosystems.
Quest Merchant Bank will assist in structuring a financially robust Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), shortlisting qualified private sector partners to collaborate with the Nigerian Government—supported by the World Bank, African Development Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction & Development—to establish a world-class, private sector-led wholesale open-access fibre company. Project implementation targets SPV establishment and ground-breaking by the third quarter of 2026.
This appointment underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its digital infrastructure and positions Project BRIDGE as a cornerstone for national digital transformation.
