FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS, INNOVATION & DIGITAL ECONOMY
FEDERAL SECRETARIAT COMPLEX PHASE I, ANNEX III, SHEHU SHAGARI WAY, FCT NIGERIA.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE UNIVERSITY LED NATIONAL DIGITAL ECONOMY RESEARCH CLUSTERS A-F PROGRAMME FOR PROJECT BRIDGE
NIGERIA
BUILDING RESILIENT DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GROWTH – BRIDGE
Project Number: _P508383
The Federal Government of Nigeria (the “Government”) has applied for financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the ‘Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth – Bridge’ (“Project BRIDGE”), a Project aimed at deploying a 90,000km Fibre Optic Network. The Government intends to apply part of the proceeds from Project BRIDGE to fund the National Digital Economy Research Clusters Programme (the “Programme”), through which the Government will engage qualified university-led research clusters to undertake high-quality, policy-relevant research across key thematic areas of the digital economy (the “Services”).
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Nigeria is investing significantly in digital infrastructure, connectivity, and digital public platforms as part of its national economic transformation agenda. Despite progress in access, substantial gaps remain in meaningful, safe, and productive use of the internet, particularly among unserved and underserved populations including rural communities, women, youth, informal workers, persons with disabilities, and micro and small enterprises. The Programme aims to address these gaps by generating rigorous, policy relevant research delivered by university-led research consortia. It seeks not only to produce applied research outputs, but also to strengthen long-term national research capacity and develop a pipeline of advanced digital economy researchers. To ensure coherence and strategic alignment with national digital economy priorities, the Programme is organised into six (6) thematic research clusters (the “Research Clusters”). Nigerian universities and accredited research institutions will serve as research providers for each cluster. Strategic oversight of the Programme will be provided by a Technical Assistance Steering Committee co-chaired with the Federal Ministry of Education.
SCOPE OF THE PROGRAMME
The objective of these consultancy assignments are to strengthen the Government of Nigeria’s capacity to design, implement, and evaluate inclusive digital economy policies through high quality, policy relevant research delivered by university led Research Clusters.
THEMATIC RESEARCH CLUSTERS
Eligible institutions are invited to submit Expressions of Interest for one or more of the following six thematic research clusters. Each submission must clearly indicate the specific cluster for which it is made and demonstrate substantive alignment with that cluster’s thematic scope. However, an institution may only be shortlisted in a maximum of three (3) clusters in the capacity of the lead consultant or a Joint Venture member, provided that they have relevant qualifications and experience. This does not limit the capacity of an institution to participate and then be shortlisted in multiple clusters as subconsultant.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
The attention of Interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs 3.15, 3.16, 3.17, 3.20, 3.21, 3.22, and 3.23 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” February 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest, Unfair Competitive Advantage and Eligibility. All applicant institutions (including Joint Venture members and subconsultants) must satisfy those provisions of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations. Supporting documentation on eligibility status will be submitted together with the Expression of Interest and if being shortlisted, with the Technical Proposal.
SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
* The Research Cluster consultant shall be led by a Nigerian university or accredited research institution, who is eligible according to the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations.
* Each Research Cluster consultant shall comprise a minimum of four (4) institutions and a maximum of six (6) institutions in total, in the form of joint venture partners and/or sub-consultants, and assign a lead institution among the members.
* The inclusion of one (1) to two (2) international institutions as members of the Research Cluster is encouraged and will be considered an advantage.
* Each participating institution as main consultant or JV members shall demonstrate a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in conducting research on broadband infrastructure, digital inclusion, and internet access, including policy or applied research on connectivity gaps, affordability, and meaningful use in underserved or rural communities.
* Each Research Cluster consultant must have a sufficient pool of doctoral and post-doctoral level researchers to deliver the proposed research outputs throughout the duration of the Programme. This shall include a minimum participation of at least fifteen (15) Post-Doctoral Researchers and fifteen (15) PhD candidates in the research activities of the cluster.
* Qualifications of individual Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.
* Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost-Based Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (local time).
All Expressions of Interest must be clearly marked ‘Expression of Interest – Nigeria’s Project Bridge – National Digital Economy Research Clusters Programme – [Institution Name] – Cluster Number sign(s)’, and must be delivered in written form to the email address Projectbridge@fmcide.gov.ng or in person, to the address below, by 23.59pm on 13th April 2026.
Project Implementation Unit – Bridge
Attn: Jumoke Akande
Project Coordinator
Project Implementation Unit – Bridge
6th Floor, Galaxy Backbone Building,
1243 Kur Mohammed Ave, Central Business District
900103, Abuja, FCT Nigeria.
Tel: 09017889463
SIGNED BY PROJECT COORDINATOR
This tender expires at 11:59pm on Monday April 13th, 2026