China Industrial Bank Backs Nigeria’s $NUCAP Connectivity Drive For 20 Million People

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding digital access across the country, following renewed support from China Industrial Bank (CIB) for the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP).

Tijani disclosed this after hosting a delegation from the bank led by Peng Shuang, General Manager of Strategic Emerging Industries Business Headquarters, in Abuja.

The minister described NUCAP as a landmark initiative aimed at connecting over 20 million Nigerians in underserved communities through the deployment of 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide.

https://x.com/bosuntijani/status/2061941203063427272

He explained that the project would deliver a fully green network of modern telecoms infrastructure, targeting rural and riverine areas that currently lack access to reliable connectivity.

According to Tijani, CIB’s backing—its first investment in Nigeria—signals growing international confidence in the country’s digital transformation agenda and its commitment to inclusive economic growth.

He added that the bank has pledged support towards the government’s short-term target of deploying at least 1,000 tower sites before the end of the year.

“This will help accelerate access to connectivity, unlock economic opportunities, and drive digital inclusion for millions of Nigerians,” the minister said.

NUCAP forms a key part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to bridge the digital divide and strengthen the nation’s digital infrastructure backbone.