China Industrial Bank (CIB) has thrown its support behind the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), a large-scale infrastructure plan designed to extend connectivity to more than 20 million Nigerians in underserved communities.
The announcement was made by the minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, following a meeting in Abuja with a CIB delegation led by Peng Shuang, general manager of the Strategic Emerging Industries Business Headquarters.
Under NUCAP, the Federal Government plans to deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide, targeting rural, riverine and hard-to-reach areas where access to reliable network coverage remains limited or non-existent.
The initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader digital inclusion strategy aimed at expanding access to communication infrastructure and unlocking economic opportunities.
Tijani disclosed that CIB has committed to supporting the delivery of at least 1,000 telecom tower sites before the end of the year, describing the partnership as a major milestone in accelerating nationwide connectivity.
According to him, the project represents a “green” telecommunications network designed to ensure sustainable expansion of digital infrastructure while bridging long-standing access gaps in remote communities.
He also noted that CIB’s involvement marks the bank’s first investment in Nigeria, reflecting growing international confidence in the country’s digital economy reform agenda.
NUCAP builds on earlier federal plans to construct up to 7,000 telecom towers across rural Nigeria, an initiative already approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of efforts to strengthen national connectivity infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission has said telecom operators have pledged to upgrade 12,000 network sites in 2026, including the migration of legacy 2G and 3G infrastructure to more advanced 4G and 5G systems.
Officials say the combined public and private sector investments are expected to significantly improve network quality, expand broadband access and support Nigeria’s long-term digital transformation goals.
