China to Support Nigeria's Digital Connectivity Initiative for 20 Million Citizens

Nigeria is set to significantly expand its digital connectivity through a new initiative supported by China's Industrial Bank (CIB). The Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP) will bring digital services to more than 20 million Nigerians residing in areas currently lacking adequate access.

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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.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the partnership, emphasizing that it reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria's digital expansion goals. The initiative is a key component of national efforts to enhance the quality of telecommunications services across the country.

NUCAP involves the deployment of 3,700 new telecommunications towers nationwide. This infrastructure development is expected to extend connectivity to remote rural and riverine communities, laying the groundwork for inclusive economic growth. The project represents CIB's first investment in Nigeria and underscores a shared vision for expanding meaningful connectivity.

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NUCAP is a wholly 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.

This initiative aligns with previous commitments from Nigerian telecom operators to upgrade 12,000 sites by 2026. These upgrades include deploying additional spectrum for 4G networks and converting older 2G and 3G sites to 4G and 5G infrastructure. The NUCAP project is anticipated to deliver at least 1,000 tower sites by the end of 2026, bringing essential connectivity and economic opportunities closer to millions.

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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.