Tinubu Launches N160 Billion Telecom Tower Rollout to Boost Security and Connectivity in Rural Nigeria

In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s security and digital infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency while approving a N160 billion plan to erect 4,000 telecommunications towers in hard-to-reach rural communities. The dual announcement highlights the government’s strategy to simultaneously enhance connectivity and support national security efforts in areas often cut off from basic services.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) confirmed the initiative after a meeting at Aso Rock Villa. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told reporters that the rollout will extend network coverage to communities long neglected by telecom providers. “Indeed, this will also help in fighting insecurity and enhancing commerce and economic activity amongst the people of those communities,” Idris emphasized. Each tower is estimated to cost N40 million, excluding land and licensing fees, targeting roughly 23 million Nigerians currently without reliable voice and data services.

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is spearheading the project, promising to turn isolated regions into hubs of economic vitality and security monitoring. Nigeria’s telecom sector has expanded significantly since 2001, with over 53,000 3G and 4G base stations deployed in the past five years. Yet, experts warn that 70,000 to 80,000 stations are still needed for comprehensive coverage, particularly in the North-East and Middle Belt regions, where banditry and insurgency remain persistent challenges.

Despite the ambitious plan, logistical and financial hurdles loom large. Deploying towers in remote areas faces challenges from vandalism, flooding, erosion, fuel shortages, and complex government right-of-way fees. Last year alone, over 1,200 towers were destroyed, costing operators more than N50 billion. Telecom companies stress the need for policy reforms such as harmonized RoW tariffs, hybrid solar-diesel power systems, and tower-sharing incentives to ensure the investment translates into reliable coverage.

If executed efficiently, the N160 billion tower rollout could connect an additional 20 to 30 percent of Nigeria’s underserved landmass, enhancing emergency response, digital banking, and e-commerce access. Observers note that the project is a critical step toward bridging the country’s digital divide while simultaneously reinforcing security in vulnerable regions—a move that could redefine both Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape and public safety efforts.

source: business day