Ojo: Fibre Optic Deployment Will Boost Connectivity, Digital Inclusion

In this interview, Vice President, Global Independent Connect Limited, Mr. Olabode Ojo speaks about IHS’ deployment of over 15,000km of fibre across Nigeria, its rural telephony initiative and value-added services. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

GICL plays a specialised role within the IHS Nigeria ecosystem. Can you elaborate on its strategic contribution and the role you play in driving this?

GICL is a subsidiary of IHS Nigeria, which is part of the IHS Towers group. It specialises in the delivery of active network infrastructure and services, and serves as the fiber infrastructure and rural connectivity arm of IHS Nigeria, complementing IHS Towers’ leadership in communications infrastructure.

GICL’s strategic mandate focuses on deepening digital access through the expansion of fiber infrastructure across both urban and rural areas. We have deployed over 15,000 route kilometers of fiber and established more than 500 rural telephony sites, directly supporting Nigeria’s digital inclusion agenda and helping to further bridge the digital divide.

In my role, I lead the strategic execution of GICL’s fiber rollout and oversee the alignment of its rural connectivity projects with national and organizational objectives. Beyond infrastructure, I’m committed to building a purpose-driven team culture where every project contributes to connecting communities, expanding digital opportunity, and supporting millions of Nigerians who have historically been left behind in the country’s digital journey.

You mentioned that IHS Nigeria, through GICL, has successfully completed the deployment of over 15,000 route kilometers of fiber across Nigeria. That’s quite a remarkable feat. Can you shed more light on this achievement, your role in it and its significance for the Nigerian telecommunications landscape?

The successful deployment of over 15,000 route kilometers of fiber across Nigeria has been one of the defining achievements of our organisation.

As Vice President of GICL, my role is both strategic and operational. It involves ensuring alignment with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan, leading stakeholder engagements, and overseeing the execution and quality of the rollout across multiple regions. This achievement would, however, not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of the entire GICL team. From our meticulous planning team, and project managers to the Right of Way (RoW) team, and our quality assurance personnel—their resilience, expertise, and teamwork made the difference.

Together, we’ve helped lay the foundations for 5G, expanded digital inclusion, and enabled broader connectivity that will impact businesses, communities, and the nation’s economic growth for years to come. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of something with the potential to help reshape Nigeria’s digital future.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has announced plans by the federal government to deploy an additional 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables across the country to improve internet connectivity and make the service affordable. What role is GICL playing in supporting the federal government to achieve this?

GICL is seeking to play a pivotal role in supporting the federal government’s plan. Building on our successful completion of over 15,000 route kilometers of fiber across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, we believe we are well-equipped to contribute to this national initiative. We offer expertise in network planning, execution, and maintenance.

Furthermore, the government’s vision aligns with our mission of expanding affordable connectivity nationwide. By combining our private sector agility with the government’s regulatory support and funding mechanisms, we are helping to accelerate implementation timelines while also ensuring the resulting infrastructure delivers on the affordability goals expressed by the minister.

What are the key benefits and services that the fiber optic network will deliver, and how will it benefit businesses, individuals, and the Nigerian economy?

The fiber optic network we’re deploying across Nigeria offers what we believe to be transformative benefits for businesses, individuals, and the economy.

First, for businesses, especially internet service providers (ISPs), mobile network operators (MNOs), data centers, enterprise network operators and government premises, it provides scalable, secure, and cost-effective infrastructure to support their own services. It enables higher capacity, better control, and future proofing for bandwidth demands—without the limitations of shared or lit fiber services.

For individuals, the impact is indirect, but we believe powerful. With more providers able to lease dark fiber on an open-access model, competition will increase, which can lead to better internet speeds, wider coverage, and more affordable pricing.

At the national level, this network supports 5G, smart infrastructure, and local content hosting. It drives innovation, enables digital sovereignty, and helps accelerate Nigeria’s goal of becoming a leading digital economy in Africa.

What challenges did GICL face during the deployment of such a vast fiber optic network, and how did you overcome them?

Deploying a fiber optic network at this scale across Nigeria came with its own challenges. The most significant was navigating the complex and varied right of way (RoW) approval processes across different states. We overcame this by building collaborative relationships to streamline negotiations and approvals with government bodies, local communities, and utility partners.

Logistics was another challenge—managing operations across diverse terrain, from dense urban areas to remote rural regions, required careful planning and flexible execution. We relied on local expertise, adaptive deployment methods, and tight coordination to stay on track.

Maintaining high standards of quality and network reliability throughout the project demanded constant oversight and strict adherence to technical benchmarks. It was our combination of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and on-the-ground agility that enabled GICL to successfully deliver this infrastructure.

What impact does GICL leave in the communities where this fiber infrastructure is deployed?

We believe that GICL’s presence in communities sparks real transformation. Our fiber connectivity helps open doors to opportunity, from children accessing education online, to patients receiving remote healthcare, to small businesses thriving through digital platforms. Our projects create direct and indirect jobs for local people, empowering youths and stimulating local economies.

In every region, our experienced teams seek to deliver technical excellence and also build trust with host communities, to ensure lasting impact. Our fiber infrastructure can help governments deliver services online and enable communities to actively participate in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

For GICL, it’s more than infrastructure—it’s about empowering lives and laying the foundations for inclusive, sustainable development.

GICL seems to be taking a long-term approach to fiber deployment. Can you tell us more about the strategy behind your infrastructure development and how it supports the broader telecom ecosystem in Nigeria?

At GICL, we are not just deploying fiber—we are striving to build the foundations for the future of Nigeria’s digital economy. Our strategy is intentional and forward-looking. Just like our parent company, IHS Towers, we are focused on enabling and expanding communications infrastructure across the country, but with a particular emphasis on fiber connectivity as the backbone of next- generation services.

We deploy an average of 96-core fiber cable nationwide, which provides robust capacity for today’s telecommunication needs. This high-capacity infrastructure is open access and carrier-neutral, meaning it can be shared by multiple MNOs, internet service providers, and other digital service players. It encourages collaboration, reduces redundant infrastructure, and helps lower the cost of broadband delivery across Nigeria.

Additionally, our infrastructure is built with scalability and flexibility in mind. Whether it’s 5G rollout, cloud services, or rural telephony, we believe that GICL’s network is fully equipped to support it. We’re working closely with both public and private sector stakeholders with the aim of ensuring that our deployments align with national broadband goals and Nigeria’s broader digital development strategy.

We believe that we’re not just laying fiber, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term, inclusive digital progress. Our network is built to connect today and empower tomorrow.

How can potential partners engage with GICL?

Potential partners can engage with GICL through several channels. We are always open to collaboration with MNOs, ISPs, government bodies, technology providers, and infrastructure partners who share our vision for a better-connected Nigeria.

Whether it’s co-building infrastructure, leasing dark fiber, enabling last-mile connectivity, or working on rural telephony projects, we’re committed to building partnerships that are mutually beneficial and aligned with national digital transformation goals.

We welcome partnership enquiries through the IHS Towers website and corporate communication channels, where stakeholders can reach our business development or commercial teams. GICL also participates in key industry events and government forums, which serve as platforms for continued engagement and alignment.

Can you share any success stories or case studies that illustrate GICL’s impact so far?

GICL began operations in 2020, and in just five years, we’ve grown to become the largest independent fiber infrastructure company in Nigeria outside of the MNOs. We’ve successfully deployed fiber across all 36 states and the FCT, demonstrating our nationwide reach and commitment to inclusive connectivity.

This scale of achievement reflects our resilience, agility, and innovation, even amid challenging macroeconomic conditions. We have 100 per cent customer retention from December 2020 till date, and our partners have commended the quality, speed, and reliability of our solutions.

For example, across all states and IXPN locations, GICL has cutting edge fiber optic solutions designed to meet the needs of thousands of Nigerians. The high-capacity networks now serve as critical connectivity backbones for government operations, education systems, and commercial centers – linking vital institutions from Edo State Government offices to Borno State Government academic hubs and Ibadan’s bustling markets in Oyo State. In addition, by connecting universities, innovation hubs, and secondary schools, GICL is directly supporting Nigeria’s digital education revolution. 

Our fiber network is contributing to the acceleration of Nigeria’s digital transformation, while maintaining service quality despite economic challenges. GICL remains committed to powering inclusive connectivity and shaping the nation’s digital future.

Do you have any final remarks?

GICL’s journey is just beginning. The successful deployment of over 15,000 route kilometers of fiber across Nigeria is a milestone that marks the start of a broader mission—to connect every corner of this nation and empower its people through technology.

We believe that connectivity is a catalyst for opportunity, innovation, and social progress. Our work goes beyond laying cables; it’s about unlocking the potential of Nigerian businesses, education, healthcare, and communities. As Nigeria embraces a digital future, GICL is committed to being at the forefront, driving sustainable growth and inclusion for all. Together, we can transform lives, strengthen the economy, and shape a future where every Nigerian can thrive in the digital age.

At GICL, we’re not just laying fiber—we’re laying the foundation for Nigeria’s digital future. We believe that every kilometer connects dreams, closes divides, and powers progress.