Nigeria is set to significantly expand its telecommunications footprint with plans to install 1,000 new rural telecom towers in 2026, as part of a broader strategy to close the country’s connectivity gap and accelerate digital inclusion.
The initiative was announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, during a briefing on the National Digital Economy Research Clusters Programme under Project BRIDGE. He noted that millions of Nigerians, particularly in underserved regions, still lack access to reliable telecom services.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the planned deployment forms part of the larger 3,700 rural towers project approved by President Bola Tinubu, targeting remote communities across northern and central Nigeria where connectivity remains limited despite their importance to agriculture, commerce, and security.
The minister stressed that more than 20 million Nigerians are currently unconnected, underscoring the urgency of the rollout to bridge the digital divide and unlock economic opportunities in rural areas.
The telecom expansion is being implemented alongside other large-scale infrastructure projects, including the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cables and upgrades to satellite systems, positioning Nigeria among leading emerging economies in digital infrastructure development.
According to Tijani, the government is working closely with private sector operators to ensure timely delivery, with at least 1,000 towers expected to be completed within the year. Telecom investments exceeded $1 billion in 2025, with projections indicating even higher commitments in 2026 as operators expand network capacity.
The project is expected to transform rural livelihoods by enabling farmers to access real-time market data, supporting digital education for students, and empowering small businesses to scale through online platforms.
In addition, the new infrastructure will complement ongoing advancements in satellite communications through the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) and support the expansion of 5G services across the country.
Authorities believe the initiative will play a critical role in driving Nigeria’s digital economy, enhancing national security, and fostering inclusive growth by ensuring that underserved communities are fully integrated into the country’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
