Expanding Digital Access and Strengthening Broadband Backbone
The Federal Executive Council has approved the nationwide deployment of 4,000 new telecom towers. This initiative aims to expand digital access and strengthen Nigeria’s broadband backbone. The decision represents one of the largest recent infrastructure pushes designed to close the digital divide and foster economic growth through improved connectivity.
The announcement was made following a council meeting chaired by Bola Tinubu. Briefing State House correspondents, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated that the approval stems from a joint memo submitted by the Ministries of Digital Communications and Finance. He further indicated that the approval also encompasses the establishment of service centers for agricultural mechanization and digital economy hubs.
According to the minister, the new towers will be deployed across all geopolitical zones. Priority will be given to communities that currently experience weak or nonexistent mobile coverage. This project is anticipated to enhance broadband penetration, alleviate network congestion, and support digital services across various sectors, including finance, education, and agriculture. It aligns with the nation's long-standing objectives to deepen 4G and 5G deployment and prepare for future network upgrades.
Idris explained that the expansion will be executed through public-private partnerships involving major telecom operators and licensed infrastructure companies. These partners will be responsible for the construction and maintenance of the towers. The government, in turn, will provide regulatory support and incentives to expedite the rollout process. This plan is structured to build a more robust network infrastructure capable of supporting Nigeria's expanding digital economy and the increasing demand for high-capacity services.
The enhanced infrastructure is projected to boost productivity for small businesses, foster the growth of tech start-ups, and create new opportunities in underserved regions. With improved network coverage, a greater number of Nigerians will gain access to online platforms for commerce, healthcare services, and public engagement. Enhanced connectivity is viewed as a key driver for job creation and investment, particularly in rural communities where digital access has historically lagged.
Addressing Nigeria's Persistent Digital Gaps
Despite progress in broadband expansion over the past decade, approximately 23 million Nigerians still reside in communities lacking adequate mobile or data services, according to the minister. Industry data indicates that while mobile phone penetration rates are high, numerous areas remain underserved due to infrastructure deficiencies, power supply issues, and the substantial cost associated with constructing towers in remote locations. This new project aims to overcome these obstacles by promoting a more equitable distribution of infrastructure nationwide.
This initiative is also launched at a time when telecom operators are facing increasing pressure to improve service quality. Users frequently report issues such as slow internet speeds, dropped calls, and network outages. By increasing the number of available sites for operators to install equipment, the government intends to reduce the strain on existing towers and enable providers to deliver enhanced performance.
The government is positioning the tower rollout as an integral component of a broader digital inclusion strategy. In conjunction with the infrastructure development, regulatory bodies are actively working to streamline the deployment of fiber-optic networks, reduce the costs associated with right-of-way permits, and encourage investment in last-mile connectivity solutions. The overarching goal is to ensure that the new towers integrate seamlessly with Nigeria's existing transmission networks, thereby facilitating stable and reliable coverage across the country.
Stakeholders within the telecom sector have expressed positive reception to the approval, characterizing the project as a crucial and timely intervention. They emphasize that strengthened infrastructure will provide essential support for emerging technologies, including cloud computing and digital payments, while also enabling the public sector to more effectively deploy e-government services. As Nigeria strives to enhance its digital competitiveness, the successful execution of large-scale infrastructure programs like this will be closely observed by both industry participants and consumers.
The initial phase of the rollout is slated to commence shortly. Detailed project timelines are expected to be released following comprehensive consultations with industry partners. The government has reiterated its commitment to fostering an environment that ensures digital access becomes universal, reliable, and affordable for all Nigerian citizens.