Nigeria Targets 1,000 Telecom Towers in 2026 as NUCAP Seeks to Connect 20 Million Nigerians

The Federal Government has set a target of deploying at least 1,000 new telecommunications towers before the end of 2026 under the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), a major initiative designed to connect more than 20 million Nigerians living in unserved and underserved communities.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this after receiving a delegation from China Industrial Bank (CIB) led by Peng Shuang, General Manager of the bank’s Strategic Emerging Industries Business Headquarters.

In a statement, Tijani said the visit reaffirmed CIB’s support and commitment to NUCAP, which aims to deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers across Nigeria to bridge the country’s connectivity gap.

The minister described NUCAP as a landmark project that will establish a wholly green network of modern telecommunications infrastructure, extending connectivity to millions of Nigerians who currently lack access to reliable communication services.

According to him, many of the targeted communities are located in rural and riverine areas where connectivity remains limited or non-existent, restricting access to digital opportunities and economic participation.

Tijani noted that the project is expected to provide telecommunications services to more than 20 million Nigerians, helping to drive digital inclusion and support broader economic development goals.

He said CIB’s participation in the project is particularly significant because it represents the Chinese bank’s first investment in Nigeria, adding that the move demonstrates growing international confidence in the country’s digital economy agenda.

The minister also welcomed the bank’s commitment to support the government’s ambition of delivering a minimum of 1,000 tower sites by the end of the year, describing the target as a critical step toward expanding connectivity and economic opportunities across the country.

“CIB’s support for the project reflects growing international confidence in our vision of expanding meaningful connectivity for all and building the digital foundations required for inclusive economic growth,” Tijani said.

The NUCAP initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to achieve universal access to telecommunications services, reduce the digital divide, and ensure that more Nigerians can participate in the country’s growing digital economy.