Nigeria to Invest in 70,000 Telco Towers to Close Connectivity Gap

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, says the federal government is preparing investments in 70,000 telecommunications towers in Nigeria.

Speaking in Katsina State during the Arewa Tech Fest 2.0 hosted by the state government, the Minister said over 80 per cent of them would be based in the northern part of the country.

According to him, the goal is to close the existing connectivity gap and make Nigeria the most inclusive digital economy in Africa where no community is left behind.

He further announced that the 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic network, aimed at connecting every corner of Nigeria, remains one of federal government’s biggest investments in the digital space.

“Under President (Bola) Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, we have focus on foundational initiatives that can unlock national productivity,” Mr Tijani said.

“One of our biggest investments in the digital space is the 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic network aimed at connecting every corner of the country.

“In addition to this, the government is preparing investments in 70,000 telecommunications towers of which over 80 percent of them will be based in the Northern part of Nigeria to close the existing connectivity gap. Our goal is to make Nigeria the most inclusive digital economy in Africa where no community is left behind,” he added, noting that under President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, his Ministry has focused on foundational initiatives that can unlock national productivity.

“This tech festival today is not just an event, it has a strong signal from Katsina, the Arewa states and a signal that Arewa is ready.

“I, therefore, challenge participants, particularly the innovators in the room, that you don’t need to move to Lagos or Abuja to be successful, all you need is also not to wait for formation, because all you need is yourself and your formation.

“We are building a Nigeria that works for everyone in a nation where being born in Katsina or Kano is not at the disadvantage but a strategic advantage.

“The future of Nigeria and that of Africa is not being written in the silicon valley of Lagos or Abuja but being written right here today in Katsina,” he said.