More than 20 million Nigerians living in underserved communities are set to gain access to digital connectivity under a new telecommunications infrastructure initiative backed by China’s Industrial Bank (CIB).
The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who disclosed that the bank would support the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), a flagship programme aimed at extending telecommunications services to unconnected communities across the country.
According to the minister, the project represents a major step toward closing Nigeria’s digital divide and expanding access to connectivity in rural and riverine areas that have historically lacked reliable telecommunications infrastructure.
3,700 telecom towers planned nationwide
Under the NUCAP initiative, approximately 3,700 telecommunications towers are expected to be deployed across Nigeria, creating a wholly greenfield network designed to serve previously unconnected communities.
Tijani announced the development following a meeting with a Chinese delegation led by Peng Shuang, General Manager of Strategic Emerging Industries Business Headquarters at the China Industrial Bank.
He noted that the partnership reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and its commitment to expanding meaningful connectivity nationwide.
According to the minister, the project will help bring communication services, economic opportunities, and digital inclusion closer to millions of Nigerians who currently remain outside the reach of existing telecommunications networks.
First investment by China Industrial Bank in Nigeria
The minister described CIB’s support for NUCAP as a significant milestone, noting that the project represents the bank’s first investment in Nigeria.
He stated that the collaboration demonstrates increasing global investor confidence in the country’s vision of building the digital infrastructure required to support inclusive economic growth and technological development.
Tijani further disclosed that the initiative is expected to deliver at least 1,000 telecommunications tower sites by the end of 2026, laying the foundation for broader nationwide expansion in subsequent phases.
Part of broader telecom infrastructure drive
The NUCAP project forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and industry stakeholders to improve telecommunications service quality and expand broadband penetration across the country.
In April, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced that telecom operators had committed to upgrading approximately 12,000 network sites in 2026 as part of efforts to enhance service quality and network capacity.
The planned upgrades include additional spectrum deployment across existing 4G infrastructure as well as the migration of older 2G and 3G sites to more advanced 4G and 5G technologies.
Industry stakeholders believe these investments will strengthen network coverage, improve service reliability, and support Nigeria’s ambition of building a more digitally connected economy.
Boosting inclusion and economic growth
Beyond improving telecommunications access, policymakers view the project as a key driver of economic inclusion, digital participation, and social development.
By extending connectivity to millions of people in underserved locations, the initiative is expected to support access to digital education, healthcare services, financial technology solutions, e-commerce opportunities, and other digital economy benefits.
As Nigeria continues its push toward broader broadband penetration and digital transformation, the NUCAP initiative is expected to play a critical role in connecting communities, stimulating local economic activity, and advancing the country’s long-term digital development objectives.
