The Federal Government has announced plans to build 4,000 new telecommunication towers across the country, targeting over 20 million Nigerians who currently lack access to mobile networks. The disclosure was made in Abuja by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, during the Digital Nigeria International Conference 2025.
Tijani said the rollout is part of a World Bank-backed broadband expansion programme designed to deliver 90,000 kilometres of open-access fibre network, which he described as the largest infrastructure initiative of its kind in any developing country. He explained that the project, already captured in the National Assembly’s borrowing plan, reflects the administration’s commitment to a digitally inclusive economy that supports underserved communities and strengthens nationwide connectivity.
According to him, Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow at a fast pace, with the ICT sector now contributing about 19 per cent to the national GDP. Tijani noted that this growth trajectory could soon place the sector ahead of oil and gas, driven by rising investment, digital transformation and technology adoption.
He added that Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has become one of the strongest in Africa, producing five of the continent’s nine technology unicorns. He linked this achievement to sustained government reforms and the innovative push of private sector players.
Earlier, the Director-General of NITDA, Dr Kashifu Abdullahi, praised the government’s focus on innovation and digital inclusion. He said the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises economic diversification and youth empowerment nationwide.
