The Nigerian Federal Government has announced a major initiative to deploy 7,000 new telecommunications towers nationwide, with a strategic allocation of 80% of these towers to Northern Nigeria. This move aims to address the region’s significant connectivity deficit and support the country’s broader digital transformation and 5G rollout plans.
The Federal Executive Council approved the project in March 2025, with the formal rollout scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of the year. The first tower installation is set for a rural community in Abuja next week, targeting an area of about 5,000 people where insecurity has exacerbated connectivity challenges. Unlike traditional telecom masts, these new towers will serve as digital hubs, delivering internet access not only to residents but also to schools, hospitals, and local government offices, maximizing their community impact.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted that the majority of unconnected clusters are in the North, justifying the 80% allocation to this region. He emphasized a collaborative model where mobile network operators will share the towers’ infrastructure, reducing redundancy and optimizing resources.
This initiative is part of a larger strategy that includes the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable and the use of satellite technologies such as Starlink to enhance national connectivity. Currently, over 54% of Nigerians – approximately 128.3 million people – lack internet access, with broadband penetration at just 48%. The government aims to raise broadband penetration to 70% by the end of 2025.
The telecom towers project complements significant private sector investments, including a $500 million commitment by Airtel Africa to strengthen Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure. The new towers will bolster 4G and 5G coverage, facilitating digital transformation in sectors like e-commerce, fintech, education, and healthcare.
Overall, the government’s focus on the North reflects the region’s disproportionate share of unconnected communities and the need to bridge the digital divide, while also addressing security challenges through enhanced connectivity.
This ambitious project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “renewed hope agenda,” which prioritizes foundational initiatives to unlock national productivity and make Nigeria the most inclusive digital economy in Africa
