Telecom Operators Deployed 2,800 Towers in 2025 – NCC
Nigeria’s telecommunications operators deployed 2,800 new and upgraded towers in 2025, reinforcing efforts to improve network coverage, service quality, and internet access nationwide, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The infrastructure rollout forms part of a broader industry-wide investment drive aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital backbone and expanding connectivity for millions of subscribers.
Network Expansion Supports Digital Economy Goals
In a New Year address, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aminu Maida, said the tower deployments are central to the Commission’s strategy for improving everyday telecom services and driving long-term sector growth.
He noted that the progress aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030, stressing that infrastructure investment remains critical 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 continued investment and expansion,” Maida said.
Broadband Subscribers and Penetration Record Strong Growth
According to the NCC, the infrastructure upgrades delivered measurable improvements across the sector. Between December 2024 and December 2025:
- Broadband subscribers increased by 6%, rising from about 96.3 million to over 109.6 million
- Broadband penetration grew from 44.43% to 50.58%, crossing the 50% mark for the first time in Nigeria’s history
The Commission said the gains reflect the impact of sustained infrastructure investment and improved network capacity.
Project Bridge and Fibre Expansion
Looking beyond 2025, Maida said the NCC will continue pushing for enhanced network experience through major national projects, including Project Bridge, a 90,000-kilometre fibre deployment initiative championed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
The fibre rollout is expected to significantly expand broadband availability, reduce congestion, and support digital services across sectors such as finance, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Focus on Underserved and Unserved Communities
The NCC also reaffirmed its commitment to expanding connectivity in underserved and unserved areas. According to Maida, this will be achieved through stronger alignment with regulatory frameworks, monitoring strategies, and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
As part of the wider infrastructure push, the Federal Executive Council recently approved the nationwide deployment of 4,000 additional telecom towers, one of the largest connectivity expansion efforts aimed at closing Nigeria’s digital divide.
Economic and Industry Impact
The expanded telecom infrastructure is expected to:
- Improve productivity for small and medium-sized businesses
- Support the growth of tech startups and digital services
- Unlock economic opportunities in previously underserved regions
The NCC clarified that the 2,800 towers deployed in 2025 include both entirely new sites and upgraded existing infrastructure, designed to enhance network reliability and performance.
Operators Under Pressure to Improve Service Quality
The rollout comes amid growing pressure on telecom operators to improve service delivery, especially after the approval of a 50% tariff adjustment in January 2025.
Subscribers have continued to report issues such as slow internet speeds, dropped calls, and network outages across multiple networks. The NCC said the deployment of new towers and infrastructure upgrades is intended to ease congestion on existing sites and deliver more stable, higher-quality services.
Outlook
With additional towers, fibre expansion, and deeper 4G and 5G deployment plans underway, the NCC says Nigeria’s telecom sector is positioned for sustained growth. Continued investment in infrastructure, the Commission noted, will be critical to supporting digital inclusion, economic development, and the country’s long-term digital transformation goals.
