How GICL is Bridging the Digital Gap in Nigeria

Introduction to Mr. Olabode Ojo and GICL

Mr. Olabode Ojo is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, specializing in network infrastructure development and business strategy. He has a proven track record of successfully leading teams, managing complex projects, driving revenue growth, and optimizing operational efficiency. Currently, he oversees IHS Nigeria’s active services subsidiary business, Global Independent Connect Limited (GICL), which is responsible for the deployment, commercialization, operations, and maintenance of the fiber optic transmission networks (FTTx), Network as a Service (rural telephony solutions), and other complementary value-added services.

Strategic Contribution of GICL

GICL plays a specialized role within the IHS Nigeria ecosystem. It serves as the fiber infrastructure and rural connectivity arm of IHS Nigeria, complementing IHS Towers’ leadership in communications infrastructure. The strategic mandate of GICL focuses on deepening digital access through the expansion of fiber infrastructure across both urban and rural areas. To date, GICL has 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 bridge the digital divide.

In his role, Mr. Ojo leads the strategic execution of GICL’s fiber rollout and oversees the alignment of its rural connectivity projects with national and organizational objectives. Beyond infrastructure, he is 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.

Deployment of Fiber Optic Networks

The successful deployment of over 15,000 route kilometers of fiber across Nigeria has been one of the defining achievements of GICL. As Vice President of GICL, Mr. Ojo’s role 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 not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of the entire GICL team, from meticulous planning teams, project managers, Right of Way (RoW) teams, to quality assurance personnel.

Together, they have 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 is incredibly fulfilling to be part of something with the potential to help reshape Nigeria’s digital future.

Role in Government Fiber Deployment Plans

GICL is seeking to play a pivotal role in supporting the Federal Government’s plan to deploy an additional 90,000 [route] kilometers of fiber optic cables across the country to improve internet connectivity and make the service affordable. Building on their successful completion of over 15,000 route kilometers of fiber across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, GICL believes it is well-equipped to contribute to this national initiative. They offer expertise in network planning, execution, and maintenance.

Furthermore, the Government’s vision aligns with GICL’s mission of expanding affordable connectivity nationwide. By combining private sector agility with the Government’s regulatory support and funding mechanisms, GICL is helping to accelerate implementation timelines while ensuring the resulting infrastructure delivers on affordability goals.

Benefits of the Fiber Optic Network

The fiber optic network deployed by GICL offers transformative benefits for businesses, individuals, and the Nigerian economy. For businesses, especially 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 futureproofing for bandwidth demands without the limitations of shared or lit fiber services.

For individuals, the impact is indirect but significant. With more providers able to lease dark fiber on an open-access model, competition increases, leading to better internet speeds, wider coverage, and more affordable pricing. At the national level, the network supports 5G, smart infrastructure, and local content hosting, driving innovation, enabling digital sovereignty, and helping accelerate Nigeria’s goal of becoming a leading digital economy in Africa.

Challenges Faced During Deployment

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. GICL 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. GICL 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 the combination of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and on-the-ground agility that enabled GICL to successfully deliver this infrastructure.

Impact on Communities

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

In every region, GICL’s experienced teams seek to deliver technical excellence and build trust with host communities to ensure lasting impact. Their 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.

Long-Term Strategy for Fiber Deployment

At GICL, the approach to fiber deployment is long-term and strategic. They are not just deploying fiber—they are striving to build the foundations for the future of Nigeria’s digital economy. Their strategy is intentional and forward-looking, focusing on enabling and expanding communications infrastructure across the country with a particular emphasis on fiber connectivity as the backbone of next-generation services.

They deploy an average of 96-core fiber cable nationwide, providing 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, their infrastructure is built with scalability and flexibility in mind. Whether it’s 5G rollout, cloud services, or rural telephony, GICL’s network is fully equipped to support it. They work closely with both public and private sector stakeholders to ensure their deployments align with national broadband goals and Nigeria’s broader digital development strategy.

Engaging with Potential Partners

Potential partners can engage with GICL through several channels. They are always open to collaboration with MNOs, ISPs, government bodies, technology providers, and infrastructure partners who share their 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, GICL is committed to building mutually beneficial partnerships aligned with national digital transformation goals.

Partners can reach out through the IHS Towers website and corporate communication channels, where stakeholders can connect with GICL’s business development or commercial teams. GICL also participates in key industry events and government forums, serving as platforms for continued engagement and alignment.

Success Stories and Case Studies

GICL began operations in 2020 and has grown to become the largest independent fiber infrastructure company in Nigeria outside of the MNOs. In just five years, they have successfully deployed fiber across all 36 states and the FCT, demonstrating their nationwide reach and commitment to inclusive connectivity.

This scale of achievement reflects their resilience, agility, and innovation, even amid challenging macroeconomic conditions. They have 100% customer retention from December 2020 till date, and their partners have commended the quality, speed, and reliability of their 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’s government offices to Borno’s academic hubs and Ibadan’s bustling markets. By connecting universities, innovation hubs, and secondary schools, GICL is directly supporting Nigeria’s digital education revolution.

Their 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.

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.

They believe that connectivity is a catalyst for opportunity, innovation, and social progress. Their 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, they can transform lives, strengthen the economy, and shape a future where every Nigerian can thrive in the digital age.