The Federal Government will deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers to provide network access to nearly 20 million Nigerians currently without connectivity, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has said.
Tijani announced the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP) on Friday during the commissioning of its first site in Amaeke, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
In a post on X, the minister said the initiative would extend telecommunications coverage to underserved communities, with more sites scheduled for launch in the coming days, weeks and months.
He said the project was designed to ensure that residents of communities without reliable network access could benefit from opportunities that depend on telecommunications services.
“Imagine going a whole day without a phone signal. You cannot call your family, you can’t receive a payment, and if someone needs urgent help, you cannot make that call,” Tijani said.
He noted that the absence of connectivity affects livelihoods, particularly for people who depend on mobile networks to conduct business, receive payments and access essential services.
“Think about a farmer who needs to find a buyer, that trader waiting for payment, the mother trying to reach a health worker,” he said.
According to the minister, the first site in Amaeke marks the beginning of a broader rollout aimed at bringing more communities within telecommunications coverage.
Tijani said the initiative supports President Bola Tinubu’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy by expanding digital access and enabling more Nigerians to participate in economic activities.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ambition for a $1 trillion economy requires every Nigerian to have the opportunity to contribute and share in its prosperity. That is why this investment matters,” he said.
The minister urged communities without network coverage that had not been included in the deployment plan to submit their locations to the ministry for consideration.
He said NUCAP formed part of the government’s efforts to expand digital inclusion and ensure that geographical location does not prevent Nigerians from accessing economic and social opportunities.
