Telecommunications operators in Nigeria deployed a total of 2,800 new and upgraded telecom towers in 2025, as part of efforts to expand network coverage, enhance service quality, and improve internet access nationwide, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The rollout reflects sustained capital investment across the industry, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and meeting growing demand for data and voice services.

Infrastructure Expansion Aligned With Digital Economy Vision

In a New Year address, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aminu Maida, said the tower deployments form a core part of the Commission’s strategy to improve the quality of service and support long-term sector development.

He noted that the progress supports Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030, emphasising that continuous infrastructure investment is essential to achieving that goal.

“Our commitment to a healthy communications sector also means ensuring that services deliver fair value, while the market remains commercially viable for sustained investment and expansion,” Maida said.

Broadband Usage Records Notable Gains

The NCC said the infrastructure improvements have translated into strong growth in broadband adoption. Between December 2024 and December 2025:

• Broadband subscriptions rose by 6%, increasing from approximately 96.3 million to over 109.6 million
• Broadband penetration climbed from 44.43% to 50.58%, surpassing the halfway mark for the first time

According to the Commission, the gains highlight the impact of expanded capacity and improved network performance.

Project Bridge to Drive Fibre and Network Capacity

Looking ahead, Maida said the NCC will intensify efforts to improve network experience through strategic national initiatives, including Project Bridge, a 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic deployment programme championed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

The fibre expansion is expected to widen broadband access, reduce congestion, and support digital transformation across key sectors such as finance, education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Extending Coverage to Underserved Areas

The NCC also reaffirmed its focus on expanding connectivity to underserved and unserved communities. Maida said this will be achieved through clearer regulatory alignment, stronger monitoring mechanisms, and closer collaboration with industry stakeholders.

As part of the broader infrastructure drive, the Federal Executive Council recently approved the deployment of 4,000 additional telecom towers nationwide, marking one of Nigeria’s most ambitious efforts to bridge the digital divide.

Boost for Businesses and Digital Innovation

The expanded telecom infrastructure is expected to:

• Enhance productivity for small and medium-sized enterprises
• Support the growth of tech startups and digital services
• Create new economic opportunities in previously underserved regions

The NCC clarified that the 2,800 towers deployed in 2025 include both new installations and upgraded existing sites, all aimed at improving network reliability and performance

Pressure Mounts on Operators to Improve Quality

The infrastructure rollout comes at a time when telecom operators face increasing pressure to improve service delivery, particularly following the approval of a 50% tariff adjustment in January 2025.

Users have continued to report slow internet speeds, dropped calls, and network outages across several networks. The NCC said the new deployments and upgrades are designed to reduce congestion on existing infrastructure and deliver more consistent service quality.

Outlook

With further tower deployments, fibre expansion, and deeper 4G and 5G rollouts in the pipeline, the NCC says Nigeria’s telecom sector is positioned for steady growth. Sustained investment in infrastructure, the Commission noted, will remain critical to advancing digital inclusion, boosting economic productivity, and supporting the country’s long-term digital transformation objectives.