05 March 2025

This follows a $500 million investment pledge by Airtel Africa to strengthen Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has already issued 5G licenses to MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Mafab Communications. According to officials, the newly approved towers, combined with Airtel Africa’s investment, will enhance 4G and 5G coverage across the country.

“Our goal is to ensure meaningful access to connectivity, not just basic service,” said Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

The towers will support the growing demand for high-speed internet, particularly in rural areas, where connectivity remains a challenge.

“Nigeria is the cornerstone of our African strategy. We’ve already invested 200 million in the past year and plan to inject an additional 200 million by the end of this year,” said Sunil Bharti Mittal, Airtel Africa’s founder.

The investments include $250 million for radio networks, $140 million for a new datacentre, and funds earmarked for spectrum expansion, totalling over $500 million. The announcement of the additional 7000 telecoms tower aligns with Airtel’s renewed partnership with IHS Nigeria, which aims to boost tenancies to 10,000 over the next five years, further strengthening the infrastructure needed for 5G expansion. This will help to digitally transform e-commerce, fintech, education, and healthcare.