FG Targets 1,000 New Telecom Towers In Expansion Drive

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to accelerate telecommunications infrastructure development in rural areas, targeting the installation of 1,000 new towers in 2026 as part of efforts to expand digital connectivity and bridge longstanding access gaps.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this in Abuja during a briefing on the National Digital Economy Research Clusters Programme, under the World Bank-backed Project BRIDGE.

Tijani revealed that “The president has approved 3,700 towers nationwide, we are working to deliver at least 1,000 of these this year,” noting that more than 20 million Nigerians remain in areas without any form of connectivity.

He explained that the tower rollout is part of a broader digital infrastructure strategy, which includes deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network across all states, local governments, and wards.

“If we have a ubiquitous fibre network across Nigeria, complaints about service quality will change completely… true connectivity requires fibre,” Tijani emphasized.

The minister noted that the government’s strategy also includes upgrading communication satellites and expanding digital access, a combination he described as unprecedented among developing countries.

Tijani further highlighted the launch of the National Digital Economy Research Clusters, a university-led initiative aimed at supporting evidence-based policymaking. He said each of the six clusters would bring together leading academics, supported by postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates, with over 200 researchers expected to contribute over three years.

Backed by N12bn over three years, the programme is designed to generate data-driven insights to guide both government and private sector decisions, with international collaborations expected to complement domestic research efforts.

On governance, the minister said the clusters would operate under a structured framework involving the communications and education ministries, alongside independent management to ensure transparency and accountability.

He added that the digital economy’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product has risen to nearly 20 per cent, with a target of 21 per cent next year. He also highlighted flagship initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, aimed at building technology capacity across all 774 local government areas.

Tijani further revealed that a Digital Economy Bill is currently before the National Assembly to provide a unified legal framework, alongside plans for a national data exchange system, artificial intelligence strategy, and digital postcode system to enhance service delivery and commerce.

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s education system to support economic growth, with a focus on improving connectivity for schools and hospitals.

He disclosed a $2bn World Bank facility to support fibre expansion nationwide.

Academic leaders, including vice-chancellors of Olabisi Onabanjo University and Ajayi Crowther University, commended the initiative, noting its potential to accelerate digital transformation, reduce brain drain, and integrate universities into the digital economy.

The planned rollout forms part of the government’s broader 3,700-tower rural connectivity plan announced in December 2025, aimed at connecting millions of Nigerians currently without reliable mobile or internet access.

Tijani emphasized that the research clusters would address key areas including connectivity, digital public infrastructure, skills development, job creation, consumer protection, and artificial intelligence.

“The digital economy is a knowledge-driven sector. We cannot rely only on ideas developed elsewhere. We must generate our own insights, rooted in our realities,” he said.

He added that the initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s research capacity and ensure the country not only adopts emerging technologies but also contributes to shaping the global digital landscape.

“It’s not just about the 200 researchers. It’s the cascading effect that will happen afterwards. The initiative won’t stop here; it will continue to grow from what we’re starting today,” he said.