Communications minister says nationwide broadband project, 3,700 telecom towers and new postcode system will accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.

The Federal Government has announced that the rollout of a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic network across Nigeria will commence within the next few weeks as part of efforts to expand broadband access, strengthen digital infrastructure and accelerate the country’s digital economy.

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News reports that the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

According to the minister, all funding arrangements and contractual processes for the ambitious nationwide project have been completed, paving the way for deployment to begin across the country.

“In a few weeks, Nigerians will begin to see us laying fibre across the country. This project will transform Nigeria for good,” Tijani said.

He explained that the fibre optic network will extend to all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, every geopolitical zone, local government area and ward, significantly improving internet connectivity, increasing broadband penetration and enhancing the quality of digital services nationwide.

Tijani noted that the project forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader strategy to build a modern digital infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth, innovation, education, healthcare and public service delivery.

Digital Sector’s GDP Contribution Rises

The minister also commended President Tinubu for implementing reforms that have strengthened Nigeria’s communications sector.

He cited the designation of digital infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, tariff adjustments and tax harmonisation as key policy measures that have encouraged investment and improved the operating environment for telecommunications companies.

According to Tijani, the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased significantly under the current administration.

“The sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product has risen from between 16 and 18 per cent to nearly 21 per cent since the administration came into office,” he said.

FG To Deploy 3,700 Telecom Towers

The minister further revealed that the Federal Government will begin deploying approximately 3,700 telecommunications towers from October 2026 to expand network coverage to underserved and unserved communities across the country.

He said the initiative is expected to provide reliable telecommunications services to more than 20 million Nigerians who currently lack adequate network access.

According to Tijani, the deployment of the towers will complement the nationwide fibre optic infrastructure by improving mobile connectivity and bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

Nigeria To Launch New Postcode System

As part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s digital addressing system, Tijani also announced that the country will officially launch an alphanumeric postcode system on October 1, 2026.

The new system will assign every property in Nigeria a unique address, a development expected to improve logistics, e-commerce, emergency response, security operations and the delivery of government services.

The minister said the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and provide a more efficient addressing framework for businesses, public institutions and residents.

He expressed confidence that the combined implementation of the nationwide fibre optic network, telecommunications towers and digital postcode system would significantly improve connectivity, drive innovation and position Nigeria as a leading digital economy in Africa.