Nigeria’s Telecom Policy Overhaul Drives $1 Billion Private Investment in Digital Infrastructure

Nigeria’s revamped telecommunications policies are paying off, attracting more than $1 billion in private investment, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, revealed on Wednesday. Speaking at the Flagship Nigeria event in Abuja, Dr. Tijani said tariff reviews and other policy adjustments have restored profitability in the sector while positioning Nigeria as a leader in digital infrastructure development across Africa.

The minister highlighted that Nigeria is currently the only African country investing in a 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic network, supported by the World Bank. He added that two new communication satellites and 3,700 additional telecom towers are set to be deployed in rural areas, aiming to connect the 20 million Nigerians currently without internet and digital services. These projects are expected to begin rolling out between 2026 and 2027.

Dr. Tijani also stressed that digital inclusion goes beyond infrastructure. He pointed to the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, launched in 2023, which has already trained over 150,000 young Nigerians. Plans are also underway for nationwide digital literacy programs delivered via mobile technology and local languages to ensure that all Nigerians can benefit from improved connectivity.

Experts attending the event echoed the importance of combining infrastructure with skills and reliable power. Ibrahima Guimba-Saidou, CEO of the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDA), commended Nigeria’s strategy and stressed the need for electricity access in remote areas to make connectivity meaningful. Similarly, World Bank Nigeria Director Mathew Verghis highlighted that digital inclusion is impossible without a combination of broadband, affordable devices, and reliable electricity.

With these initiatives, Nigeria is setting the stage for transformative economic growth through digital expansion. By investing in fibre, satellites, and digital literacy programs, the government hopes to bridge the digital divide and empower millions of Nigerians, particularly those in underserved rural communities, to participate fully in the digital economy.

source: Leadership