About 20 million Nigerians are expected to gain access to improved digital connectivity under a new infrastructure initiative supported by the China Industrial Bank (CIB), the government has announced.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani said the project will support the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), aimed at extending telecommunications services to unserved and underserved communities across the country.
The initiative is expected to deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide, targeting rural and riverine areas where network coverage remains limited or unavailable.
According to Tijani, the financing support from the China Industrial Bank marks the bank’s first investment in Nigeria and reflects growing international confidence in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The project is designed as a “green network” of modern telecom infrastructure intended to expand access to voice and data services, improve digital inclusion and support economic participation in remote communities.
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Officials said the first phase of the programme will deliver at least 1,000 tower sites by the end of 2026, with full deployment expected to significantly improve national coverage.
NUCAP is part of broader efforts by the Nigerian government to strengthen the country’s digital economy, enhance connectivity and reduce the infrastructure gap between urban and rural areas.
The initiative also aligns with ongoing upgrades in the telecommunications sector. The Nigerian Communications Commission has previously announced plans for operators to upgrade thousands of base stations, including migration from older 2G and 3G systems to more advanced 4G and 5G networks.
Authorities say improved connectivity is critical to expanding access to digital services, supporting e-commerce, education, financial inclusion and public service delivery.
Tijani said the project would help lay the foundation for inclusive economic growth by connecting millions of previously excluded citizens to the digital economy.
He added that the support from international partners demonstrates confidence in Nigeria’s policy direction on digital infrastructure and innovation.
Analysts note that Nigeria’s telecom sector has seen steady investment in recent years, driven by rising mobile penetration and increasing demand for data services, though infrastructure gaps persist in remote areas.
If fully implemented, the NUCAP project is expected to significantly expand network coverage and improve access to digital services for millions of people across Africa’s most populous nation.
The government says it will continue working with international partners and private sector operators to accelerate nationwide connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
