FEC Approves Nationwide Deployment of 4,000 Telecom Towers to Expand Rural Connectivity

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the installation of 4,000 telecommunications towers across Nigeria to improve digital access in underserved and unserved communities.

Speaking to State House Correspondents after Wednesday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the approval was based on a joint memo from the Ministries of Digital Communications and Finance.

According to him, the initiative aims to provide connectivity to communities that currently lack basic digital access.

“There is also an approval by the FEC granted to the Ministry of Digital Communications and the Ministry of Finance to establish service centers for agricultural mechanization and the digital economy on the deployment of towers to places that are currently underserved,” Idris said.

He explained that the project is expected to bridge the digital gap affecting millions of Nigerians.

“Under that program, about 4,000 towers will be erected in underserved communities. The presentation of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy indicates that about 23 million Nigerians are currently underserved, meaning that they are unable to do anything,” he added.

Idris noted that poor digital access has long limited economic activity, communication, and inclusion in many rural areas. The new measure, he said, will also enhance national security and expand commercial opportunities.

“Indeed, this will also help in fighting insecurity and enhancing commerce and economic activity amongst the people of Nigeria,” he stated.

The minister also revealed that FEC issued new directives to strengthen project prioritisation across MDAs.

In addition, the council approved the establishment of agricultural mechanisation service centres across all six geopolitical zones to support all-season farming.

“There was also a decision taken by the Federal Executive Council to establish service centers for agricultural mechanization in the six geopolitical zones,” Idris said.

He noted that the approvals align with the medium-term expenditure framework earlier presented by the Ministers of Finance and Budget.

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