Nigeria launches NUCAP to deploy 3,700 telecom towers

The Nigerian government has launched the National Universal Communications Access Programme (NUCAP), a major infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting approximately 20 million citizens in unserved and underserved rural and riverine areas. The rollout began with the commissioning of the first telecommunications tower in Bende, Abia State, by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

The project involves the deployment of 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide to provide mobile and broadband services. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support Nigeria’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy by ensuring digital inclusion for farmers, traders, and students. The program is funded through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) and involves partnerships with entities such as Global Independent Connect Limited, IHS Towers, Huawei, and MTN.

Complementing these efforts, the European Union has entered into a grant agreement worth up to €14 million ($15.8 million) to support Nigeria’s fiber-optic infrastructure expansion. Administered by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), this funding will support the BRIDGE project, which aims to expand the country’s fiber-optic network from 35,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometers to improve network resilience and accessibility for internet service providers.