Federal Government to Expand Telecom Connectivity in Abia Rural Communities After Kalu Secures NUCAP Project

A new telecommunications tower is nearing completion in Bende, Abia State, as Nigeria’s federal government moves to bring rural communities into reliable mobile and broadband coverage.

The project forms part of the National Universal Communications Access Programme, or NUCAP, which targets areas without adequate commercial network service. Communications Minister Bosun Tijani praised Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for drawing attention to the connectivity needs of communities in his constituency and supporting the initiative.

The tower stands along the Umuahia-Ohafia Road. Once activated, the ministry says it will improve service for nearby communities and provide an initial layer of coverage along the corridor. The project also supports wider government goals, including improving commercial and agricultural activity in rural areas and strengthening the transparency and integrity of elections through bimodal technology.

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In line with the directive of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that every unserved and underserved part of Nigeria should be brought online, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is implementing the National Universal Communications Access Programme to extend reliable mobile and broadband connectivity to communities that remain outside adequate commercial network coverage.

The ministry says Bende is geographically large, with its population spread across several communities. A preliminary assessment indicates that five to eight more strategically placed sites may be required for strong coverage throughout the local government area. Officials will validate that estimate through technical assessments of existing operator infrastructure and current gaps.

Tijani said the ministry is working with Kalu’s office to implement the programme in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to connect every unserved and underserved part of Nigeria.

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Our ambition, however, is much broader.