By John Umeh
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the construction of 4,000 telecom towers across Nigeria to expand connectivity in underserved areas, marking a major step toward bridging the nation’s digital divide.
The announcement was made following the council meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with further confirmation from Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris.
Closing the Digital Gap
The initiative targets communities currently lacking basic digital access, which affects over 23 million Nigerians. According to Idris, limited connectivity has hindered economic participation, communication, and public safety in remote regions.
“This project will enable communities previously cut off from reliable digital services to participate fully in the economy, improve communication, and strengthen security,” Idris said.
The deployment will see 4,000 new towers erected in underserved communities, with a focus on enhancing telecommunications, supporting commerce, and improving access to government services.
Government Collaboration
The approval followed a joint proposal from the Ministry of Digital Communications and the Ministry of Finance. The ministries were also tasked with establishing service centres for agricultural mechanization and digital economy initiatives, leveraging the expanded connectivity infrastructure.
“This dual approach ensures that digital expansion is paired with meaningful service delivery to rural communities,” Idris added.
The plan aligns with the federal government’s ongoing efforts to enhance economic inclusion, security, and access to digital tools nationwide.
Current Digital Landscape in Nigeria
Nigeria’s broadband penetration has been growing slowly despite previous federal efforts. Some key statistics highlight the challenge:
-
2020: 39.85% penetration (~75.4 million broadband connections)
-
End of 2023: 43.71% penetration
-
End of 2024: 44.43% penetration
-
May 2025: 48.81% penetration (~105.8 million broadband connections)
The National Broadband Plan initially targeted 70% broadband penetration, a goal still far from being achieved. Analysts cite challenges such as high right-of-way costs, multiple taxation, and restrictive state policies as obstacles to faster infrastructure rollout.
Complementary Initiatives
Earlier in 2025, the federal government announced plans to build 7,000 additional towers in rural areas, complementing the new 4,000-tower plan.
This tower deployment works alongside the ongoing nationwide rollout of 90,000 kilometers of fibre-optic cables, which aims to expand internet access and improve quality of service in both urban and rural areas.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized that the project is part of a broader commitment to ensure equitable access to telecommunications services.
“Our focus is not just on coverage, but also on improving the overall experience for users, especially in rural locations where connectivity remains weakest,” he said.
Expected Benefits
-
Enhanced connectivity: Communities will have better access to the internet, voice, and data services.
-
Economic opportunities: Improved digital access will support small businesses, agriculture, and e-commerce.
-
Security improvements: Reliable communication networks will assist security agencies in monitoring and responding to threats.
-
Educational access: Remote areas will gain access to online learning tools and resources.
The government aims to significantly reduce the digital divide, ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of location, can benefit from modern telecommunications infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
With the construction of 4,000 towers now approved, Nigeria moves closer to bridging its connectivity gap. Combined with ongoing fibre-optic expansion and planned rural deployment projects, these efforts are expected to strengthen digital inclusion and promote socio-economic growth nationwide.
The FEC’s approval underscores the administration’s commitment to making reliable digital services accessible to every Nigerian, particularly in underserved regions that have historically been left behind in technology adoption.
