Digital tower connects rural Nigerians in Abia State
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
In Bende, Abia State, Nigeria, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu secured the installation of a digital telecommunications tower through the National Universal Communications Access Programme (NUCAP).
For years, residents of Bende struggled with limited connectivity, often travelling long distances to find a mobile signal, hindering development and opportunity. Kalu advocated for Bende’s inclusion in NUCAP, a federal initiative to bring reliable mobile and broadband access to underserved communities.
The new tower, commissioned on October 16, 2026, is one of approximately 3,700 planned across Nigeria to connect an estimated 20 million people currently excluded from digital services. NUCAP aims to improve market access for farmers, expand financial inclusion, enhance access to healthcare and education, and strengthen communication for democratic processes. At the commissioning ceremony, Communications Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani described the tower as a long-term investment, comparing it to a tree that will continue to provide benefits for generations.
He also highlighted the program’s goal of bringing every Nigerian online, and distributed mobile phones to residents to facilitate immediate use of the new network. Kalu also identified 16 additional locations within his constituency requiring similar interventions and requested continued collaboration to expand connectivity.
