China to Help Nigeria Connect 20 Million People

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has shared news of a new support initiative from China to improve connectivity.

Tijani said the China Industrial Bank (CIB) will back the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP). This project aims to provide digital connectivity to over 20 million Nigerians living in areas without proper service.

He made the announcement on Twitter on Tuesday. He mentioned that this shows the growing international trust in Nigeria's plans for digital growth and better connectivity.

This initiative is part of a larger plan to boost telecom service quality across the nation. In April, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported that telecom companies plan to upgrade 12,000 sites by 2026 to enhance service quality.

In his tweet, Tijani said the NUCAP initiative will set up 3,700 telecom towers throughout Nigeria. He noted that a Chinese delegation was present, led by Peng Shuang, the General Manager of Strategic Emerging Industries Business Headquarters.

"I was pleased to welcome the delegation from CIB… to reaffirm their support and commitment to the NUCAP, a landmark initiative that will bring connectivity to over 20 million Nigerians in unserved communities through the deployment of 3,700 telecommunications towers across the country," the minister stated. This project will extend service to areas that currently lack it, especially in rural and riverine regions.

He also explained that the NUCAP initiative will create the digital groundwork needed for Nigeria's economic growth.

"NUCAP is a fully green network of modern telecommunications towers that will extend connectivity to these previously unconnected communities, many of them in rural and riverine areas of Nigeria."

"CIB’s support for the project, which represents the Bank’s first investment in Nigeria, reflects growing international confidence in our vision of expanding meaningful connectivity for all and building the digital foundations required for inclusive economic growth," Tijani added.

Tijani recognized the commitment of the China Industrial Bank to help Nigeria achieve better connectivity. He noted that the efforts will result in at least 1,000 tower sites being completed by the end of 2026.

The communication minister concluded that this project will bring connectivity, opportunities, and economic inclusion closer to millions of Nigerians.