ABUJA, Feb 28 (AGCNewsNet) – The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the construction of 7,000 telecom towers in rural areas as part of its strategy to bridge the country's digital divide. The initiative, announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, follows the approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Tijani, addressing Statehouse Correspondents in Abuja on Thursday, said the investment would complement the ongoing deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables across the country.

According to the minister, the government is committed to ensuring that all Nigerians, especially those in underserved regions, have access to quality telecommunication services.

“The priority for this government is meaningful access. We don’t want our people to just have access to telecommunication services; we want it to be of high quality,” Tijani stated.

He further explained that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been mandated to enhance both the quality of service and the overall user experience.

Tijani also addressed concerns over the recently approved 50% tariff increase for telecom operators, describing the decision as necessary to sustain the sector.

“We have to ensure that when telecom companies invest, we can keep them afloat. This is a sector that employs close to half a million people in this country, including the value chain,” he said.

The tariff adjustment, he noted, was informed by a study commissioned by the Federal Government through global consulting firm KPMG. The findings justified the increase, which aims to balance affordability for consumers with the financial sustainability of telecom operators.

Following the government’s approval on January 20, 2025, telecom operators—including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—have begun implementing the new tariffs. Data costs have risen by at least 10%, while text message charges increased by 50%, from ₦4.00 to ₦6.00.

Tijani reassured Nigerians that despite the price hike, the government remains committed to ensuring accessibility and affordability of telecommunication services.

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