Nigeria has secured renewed support from the China Industrial Bank (CIB) for the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), a major initiative designed to expand digital connectivity to millions of underserved citizens across the country.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this after hosting a delegation from the Chinese financial institution in Abuja.
The delegation was led by Peng Shuang, General Manager of Strategic Emerging Industries Business Headquarters at China Industrial Bank.
According to the minister, NUCAP is a flagship government programme aimed at connecting more than 20 million Nigerians living in underserved and unconnected communities through the deployment of approximately 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide.
Tijani explained that the project is expected to provide modern, environmentally sustainable telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in rural, remote and riverine communities where access to reliable connectivity remains limited.
He noted that the support from China Industrial Bank represents the institution’s first investment in Nigeria and reflects growing international confidence in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The minister said the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s broader efforts to promote digital inclusion, improve access to technology and stimulate economic growth through expanded connectivity.
According to him, the bank has also expressed support for the government’s short-term objective of deploying at least 1,000 telecommunications tower sites before the end of the year.
Tijani stated that the project would help accelerate internet access, create new economic opportunities and enable millions of Nigerians to participate more fully in the digital economy.
He added that NUCAP remains a critical component of the government’s strategy to bridge the digital divide and strengthen the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The initiative is expected to improve access to digital services, support innovation, enhance educational opportunities and drive socio-economic development in communities that have historically lacked reliable communication networks.
