Nigeria’s drive to expand digital connectivity has received a major boost as the China Industrial Bank (CIB) reaffirmed its support for the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), an ambitious initiative aimed at connecting over 20 million Nigerians in underserved and unserved communities.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed the development after meeting with a delegation from the Chinese financial institution led by Peng Shuang.
In a statement shared on his X account, Tijani said the meeting reinforced CIB’s commitment to supporting NUCAP, a flagship project designed to deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide to bridge the digital divide and improve access to communication services in remote areas.
According to the minister, the initiative will significantly enhance connectivity in rural, riverine, and other hard-to-reach communities that have long lacked reliable telecommunications infrastructure.
He described NUCAP as a transformative programme that will establish a fully green telecommunications network, enabling millions of Nigerians currently excluded from the digital economy to access digital services and opportunities.
Tijani noted that CIB’s involvement is particularly significant as it represents the bank’s first investment in Nigeria, underscoring growing international confidence in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
“The support demonstrates confidence in our vision of expanding meaningful connectivity for all Nigerians and building the digital foundations needed for inclusive economic growth,” the minister stated.
He also expressed optimism that the partnership would help the government achieve its target of delivering at least 1,000 telecommunications tower sites before the end of the year.
The planned rollout, he said, will accelerate efforts to extend connectivity, promote digital inclusion, and create economic opportunities for millions of Nigerians, especially those living in communities with limited access to communication services.
NUCAP forms a critical part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to increase broadband penetration, strengthen digital infrastructure, and ensure equitable access to communication services across the country.
Industry experts believe the successful implementation of the project could unlock significant socio-economic benefits, including improved access to education, healthcare, financial services, and other digital opportunities, while advancing Nigeria’s goal of building a more inclusive digital economy.