The Nigerian government has approved the construction of about 4,000 telecom towers nationwide to expand digital access in underserved communities across Africa’s most populous nation.
The plan was approved by the Federal Executive Council, headed by President Bola Tinubu, as part of efforts to promote basic digital connectivity and economic inclusion, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said on Wednesday.
“About 23 million Nigerians are currently underserved,” Idris said, citing a presentation by the minister of communications and digital economy during a cabinet meeting.
The limited digital access in the country has hindered economic participation and basic communication in remote areas, Idris said, adding that the new measure is also expected to strengthen national security and stimulate commercial activities in rural communities.