The initiative, known as the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), is being implemented through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. It is designed to improve broadband and telecommunications access in rural and riverine areas that remain underserved or unconnected.
The commissioning marks the beginning of a wider infrastructure programme expected to extend connectivity to communities across Nigeria, where limited network coverage continues to restrict access to digital services and economic opportunities.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the government planned to deploy 3,700 towers nationwide, adding that the Bende installation was the first site being commissioned under the initiative.
He explained that the project was intended to address gaps in telecommunications coverage and bring the benefits of reliable connectivity to communities that had remained outside the reach of adequate digital infrastructure.
Tijani said improved access to communication services could support several areas of everyday life, including education, commerce, agriculture and healthcare. He noted that the government wanted communities such as Bende to benefit more directly from Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
The minister also credited the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, with helping to attract the project to Bende.
According to Tijani, President Bola Tinubu’s administration had made resources available for the procurement of the towers required to extend connectivity to communities across the country. He linked the initiative to the broader ambition of growing Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion.
Kalu Says Connectivity Will Open New Opportunities
Speaking at the commissioning, Kalu described the project as an opportunity to improve access to essential services and create new possibilities for residents of Bende and surrounding areas.
He said reliable connectivity could make it easier for people to communicate, complete banking transactions, access online lessons, consult healthcare professionals remotely and make emergency calls when necessary.
Kalu argued that communities without dependable telecommunications services face disadvantages in a world where education, commerce, public services and business activities increasingly depend on digital platforms.
He also expressed appreciation to the President, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, implementing agencies, network providers, engineers and other partners involved in the project.
The Deputy Speaker said communities in the area had experienced connectivity challenges for a long time and welcomed the government’s intervention as a step towards addressing the problem.
His remarks highlighted the importance of rural telecommunications infrastructure not only as a technology investment but also as a means of improving access to services and economic participation.
IHS Towers Supports Wider Digital Inclusion Efforts
In a goodwill message, Akeem Adeshina, Chief Commercial Officer of IHS Nigeria, described the commissioning as an important milestone in efforts to extend digital services to underserved communities.
He said Global Independent Connect Limited (GICL), a subsidiary of IHS Towers, was supporting the deployment of rural telecommunications infrastructure alongside public Wi-Fi and Smart Village solutions.
According to Adeshina, the company’s participation was beginning with seven locations across Abia, Delta, Enugu, Plateau, Katsina and Ogun states.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Universal Service Provision Fund for their efforts to expand access to digital services in communities that have historically lacked adequate connectivity.
The involvement of infrastructure providers and public-sector agencies reflects the partnerships required to extend telecommunications coverage beyond major urban centres.
Why the Connectivity Project Matters for Rural Communities
The launch in Bende is significant because reliable network coverage can help rural residents participate more fully in Nigeria’s digital economy. However, the project’s impact will depend on the quality, affordability and reliability of the services eventually available to residents.
Education: Improved internet access could allow students and teachers to use online learning platforms, digital libraries and educational resources that are difficult to access without a stable connection.
Agriculture: Farmers could benefit from faster access to market information, weather updates, agricultural advice and potential buyers. Connectivity can also make it easier for agricultural businesses to coordinate transport and distribution.
Healthcare: Reliable communication could support remote consultations, health information services and coordination between healthcare workers and patients. It may also improve the ability of residents to contact emergency services.
Commerce and banking: Traders, small businesses and entrepreneurs could use digital payment systems, online marketplaces and communication tools to reach customers and manage transactions more efficiently.
Employment and entrepreneurship: Better connectivity can make remote work, digital skills training and online business opportunities more accessible to people living outside major cities.
Public services and security: Network coverage can improve communication between residents and public institutions, while making it easier to report emergencies and obtain important information.
For these benefits to be realised, tower deployment must translate into dependable network service, affordable data and practical access to digital devices. Public Wi-Fi and Smart Village solutions could provide additional access points, depending on how they are implemented and maintained.
The Federal Government’s 3,700-tower programme therefore represents an important infrastructure commitment, but its long-term success will be measured by the number of previously underserved people who gain meaningful and sustained access to communication services.
With Bende serving as the starting point, attention will now turn to the rollout of additional sites across Nigeria and the extent to which the initiative improves connectivity for rural and riverine communities.