Nigeria Secures Chinese Bank Support for NUCAP to Connect 20 Million Underserved Citizens
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has announced renewed support from China Industrial Bank (CIB) for the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), a major initiative designed to expand digital connectivity to more than 20 million Nigerians living in underserved and unserved communities across the country.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting between the minister and a delegation from China Industrial Bank led by Peng Shuang, General Manager of the Strategic Emerging Industries Business Headquarters. The engagement reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and accelerate nationwide access to telecommunications services.
NUCAP is one of the Federal Government’s flagship digital infrastructure projects aimed at improving communication access in rural, remote, and riverine communities that currently lack reliable network coverage. The project plans to deploy approximately 3,700 modern telecommunications towers across Nigeria, creating a sustainable communications network that will enhance access to education, healthcare, financial services, and digital opportunities.
According to Dr. Tijani, the project represents a significant step toward achieving inclusive digital growth and ensuring that millions of Nigerians are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation agenda. He noted that improved connectivity would stimulate economic activities, support innovation, and open new opportunities for businesses and communities across the nation.
As part of the collaboration, China Industrial Bank is expected to support the government’s goal of delivering at least 1,000 telecommunications tower sites before the end of the year. The minister described the commitment as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy strategy and its vision of expanding access to technology-driven services nationwide.
Industry observers believe the partnership could significantly accelerate efforts to close Nigeria’s connectivity gap, particularly in regions where limited infrastructure has restricted access to digital services. The project is also expected to contribute to economic inclusion by enabling more Nigerians to participate in the digital economy.
The latest development further strengthens Nigeria’s commitment to universal digital access and highlights growing international interest in supporting the country’s telecommunications infrastructure expansion. With the planned rollout of thousands of new telecom towers, NUCAP is positioned to become one of the most impactful connectivity projects in Nigeria’s recent history.
