The Federal Government plans to bankroll the construction of 3,700 telecom towers in rural areas, a move aimed at connecting millions of citizens who currently lack reliable mobile and internet services.
Telecom operators often avoid sparsely populated rural areas due to low profit potential, focusing instead on urban centres where investment can be recouped. The government’s intervention will extend mobile and internet services to over 23 million Nigerians who presently lack access.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani said the initiative has been approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council.
“At the recent Federal Executive Council meeting, the President approved investment in close to 4,000 towers in rural areas. About 20 million Nigerians, mostly in the north, north-central, and northwest, are currently unconnected,” Tijani told Channels TV.
In the video clip seen on Monday, he explained the social and developmental rationale for the project. “Commercial companies may avoid these areas because there are few people and limited profit opportunities. The government is investing in these towers to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind,” he said.
The tower deployment is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. This includes the 90,000-kilometre Project Bridge fibre-optic backbone, which will connect every geopolitical zone, state, and local government area, and the expansion of NIGCOMSAT, with the replacement of its existing satellite and the launch of two new satellites to improve coverage and resilience.
Officials say the towers will enable rural populations to access mobile services, the internet, and e-government platforms for the first time, bridging a critical gap in Nigeria’s digital economy. The project is expected to support development, education, financial inclusion, and economic growth in previously underserved communities.
Minister Tijani emphasised the government’s commitment to nationwide connectivity. “This is not just about profit or commercial interest; it’s about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location, can access reliable communication services and participate fully in the digital economy,” he said.
The Federal Government’s investment in rural telecom towers, the national fibre-optic backbone, and satellite infrastructure reflects a broader effort to address gaps in digital connectivity that currently limit economic opportunity, restrict access to services, and pose development and security risks.
Earlier this year, in February, the Nigerian Communications Commission launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria, a policy initiative aimed at expanding internet access nationwide. NBAN seeks to connect key sectors such as schools, healthcare facilities, religious centres, and markets, creating a sustainable model for broadband adoption.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s strategic blueprint. Its targets include increasing broadband penetration from 44 per cent in December 2024 to 70 per cent by 2025, delivering minimum data speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, and boosting broadband investment by 300–500 per cent by 2027. NBAN is rolling out a pilot programme in eight states: Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa.
Tijani emphasised that the government’s interventions aim to address both social and economic inequalities. “Digital infrastructure is not just about commercial profit; it is a national priority. Ensuring that every Nigerian can access reliable communication services is central to development, inclusion, and long-term economic growth,” he said.
The combined effect of the 3,700-tower rollout, Project Bridge, NIGCOMSAT enhancements, and NBAN is expected to deepen connectivity, strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, and create opportunities for education, business, and e-governance across previously underserved areas.
