Oct 17, 2026

FG Deploys 3,700 Telecom Towers to Connect 20 Million Unserved Nigerians

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja/Bende, Nigeria—October 17, 2026—The Federal Government has commenced the nationwide deployment of 3,700 telecommunications towers aimed at connecting nearly 20 million Nigerians currently living without reliable mobile network or internet access.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani announced the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP) on Friday during the commissioning of its first site in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Tijani described NUCAP as a flagship digital inclusion initiative designed to extend mobile and broadband services to unserved and underserved rural and riverine communities.

He said the project responds directly to President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no Nigerian community should remain cut off from the digital economy simply because of its location.

“Through NUCAP, we are delivering 3,700 of these towers across the entire country. Today we are commissioning the first here in Bende,” the minister stated, adding that every community in the local government area would be connected before Christmas.

Each tower is expected to serve between 5,000 and 10,000 people, bringing connectivity that officials say will transform daily life.

Farmers will be able to reach buyers more easily, traders can complete electronic transactions without interruption, students can access e-learning tools, and families can make emergency calls without searching for signal.

Local Impact and Wider Ambitions

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, welcomed the project and identified 16 additional locations in the area still in need of coverage.

He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to provide land free of charge for future installations and to protect the infrastructure.

The commissioning included a live e-learning demonstration at Bende Grammar School using the new network and the distribution of mobile phones to some residents.

Partners including Global Independent Connect Limited (a subsidiary of IHS Towers) are supporting the rollout, which also includes public Wi-Fi and Smart Village solutions in selected pilot states.

Officials say further sites will be commissioned across the country in the coming weeks and months as the government intensifies efforts to close Nigeria’s long-standing digital gap and support broader goals such as financial inclusion, improved electoral technology, and rural economic growth.

This report is based on the official announcement by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and the coverage of the NUCAP launch in Bende, Abia State.