The Federal Government has disclosed plans to bankroll the construction of 3,700 telecom towers in rural areas.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani said the initiative has been approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council.
He said the move is aimed at connecting millions of citizens who currently lack reliable mobile and internet services.
“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 said in an interview on Channels TV.
Explaining the social and developmental rationale for the project, the minister said “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 described 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.
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.
Tijani emphasised the government’s commitment to nationwide connectivity, saying, “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.”
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.
