FEC okays deployment of 4000 new telecom towers across Nigeria to close the digital divide

The Federal Executive Council has approved the nationwide deployment of 4,000 new telecom towers in a bid to expand digital access and strengthen Nigeria’s broadband backbone. The decision marks one of the largest recent infrastructure pushes aimed at closing the digital divide and supporting economic growth through improved connectivity.

The announcement was made after a council meeting presided over by Bola Tinubu. Briefing State House correspondents, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, said the approval follows a joint memo from the Ministries of Digital Communications and Finance. He added that the same approval includes setting up service centres for agricultural mechanisation and digital-economy hubs.

According to the minister, the new towers will be rolled out across all geopolitical zones, with priority given to communities that still struggle with weak or non-existent mobile coverage. The project is expected to boost broadband penetration, reduce network congestion, and support digital services in sectors such as finance, education, and agriculture. It also aligns with long-standing national plans to deepen 4G and 5G deployment while preparing for future upgrades.

Idris said the expansion will be undertaken through public–private partnerships involving major telecom operators and licensed infrastructure companies. These partners will be responsible for tower construction and maintenance, while the government will offer regulatory support and incentives to accelerate rollout timelines. The plan is designed to create a more resilient network layer that can support Nigeria’s growing digital economy and the rising demand for high-capacity services.

The expanded infrastructure is expected to improve productivity for small businesses, support the growth of tech start-ups, and open new opportunities in underserved regions. With stronger network coverage, more Nigerians will be able to access online platforms for commerce, health services, and public engagement. Improved connectivity is seen as a catalyst for job creation and investment, especially in rural communities where digital access has lagged.

New telecom towers: A push to close Nigeria’s persistent digital gaps

Nigeria has made progress in broadband expansion over the past decade, yet about 23 million Nigerians currently live in communities without adequate mobile or data services, according to the minister. Industry data shows that while mobile phone penetration is high, many areas remain underserved due to infrastructure gaps, power constraints and the high cost of building towers in remote locations. This project aims to tackle these bottlenecks by creating a more even spread of infrastructure across the country.

The initiative also comes at a time when telecom operators face growing pressure to improve service quality. Users continue to report slow speeds, dropped calls and outages across networks. By increasing the number of sites available for operators to mount equipment, the government hopes to ease pressure on existing towers and allow providers to deliver better performance.

The government frames the tower rollout as part of a broader digital inclusion strategy. Alongside the infrastructure buildout, regulators are working to streamline fibre-optic deployment, reduce the cost of right-of-way permits, and encourage investment in last-mile connectivity. The aim is to ensure that the new towers integrate seamlessly with Nigeria’s existing transmission networks and help deliver stable coverage nationwide.

Telecom sector stakeholders have welcomed the approval, describing the project as a timely intervention. They note that stronger infrastructure will support emerging technologies, from cloud computing to digital payments, while enabling the public sector to deploy e-government services more effectively. As Nigeria works to strengthen its digital competitiveness, the success of large-scale infrastructure programmes such as this will be closely watched by industry players and consumers alike.

The first phase of the rollout is expected to begin soon, with detailed project timelines to be released after consultations with industry partners. The government says it remains committed to creating conditions that allow digital access to become universal, reliable and affordable for all Nigerians.

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