The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has disclosed that about 23 million Nigerians are currently without access to communication services, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to expand nationwide connectivity.
Dr Tijani made the disclosure while clarifying remarks he made during a recent interview on Channels Television, following public backlash to the comments.
He explained that gaps in digital infrastructure across parts of the country continue to limit economic opportunities, restrict access to essential services, and pose development and security challenges.
According to the minister, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is addressing the situation through the deployment of new telecom towers to unserved and underserved communities, a move expected to significantly reduce the number of unconnected Nigerians.
He said the telecom towers project is part of broader digital infrastructure investments by the Federal Government, including Project Bridge, a proposed 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic backbone designed to connect all geopolitical zones, states, and local government areas.
Dr Tijani also revealed plans to strengthen the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) system through the replacement of its existing satellite and the launch of two new communication satellites to improve national coverage and resilience.
The minister noted that the combined impact of these initiatives would deepen connectivity, strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, and promote inclusion, ensuring that digital infrastructure contributes meaningfully to national development.
