Nigeria launches program to connect 20 million to internet
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In Bende, Abia State, Nigeria, Minister of Communication Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, launched the National Universal Communication Access Programme (NUCAP) to expand internet and broadband access across the country.
The program intends to connect 20 million Nigerians currently without access, starting with the installation of 3,700 communication towers nationwide.
Tijani stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu provided the funding for the initiative as part of a larger plan to build a $1 trillion economy and improve opportunities for citizens. The minister explained the project aims to remove barriers to opportunity caused by a lack of connectivity, enabling farmers to reach buyers, traders to complete sales, and families to access help in emergencies. He urged residents to protect the new infrastructure.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, also spoke at the event, emphasizing how reliable communication connects people to services and markets. Kalu highlighted related initiatives, including Project Bridge which will deploy 90,000km of fiber optics infrastructure and connect local government secretariats. He thanked President Tinubu for prioritizing digital infrastructure in Bende and for demonstrating support for the region.
The government expects to connect all communities in Bende Local Government Area before Christmas, with 16 locations already identified for tower installation.
