Dr. Bosun Tijani outlined a series of government-led interventions designed to close Nigeria’s digital infrastructure gaps and expand nationwide connectivity.

At the centre of these efforts is Project Bridge, an ambitious plan to roll out a 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic network that will span all six geopolitical zones, every state, and all local government areas. The project is expected to serve as the backbone for reliable, high-speed internet access across the country.In addition, the government plans to deploy 3,700 new telecommunications towers in communities that currently lack adequate coverage. This expansion is projected to bring dependable communication services to more than 23 million Nigerians who remain unconnected, particularly in rural and underserved regions.Dr. Tijani also announced renewed investment in NIGCOMSAT, Nigeria’s satellite communications agency. The initiative includes replacing the existing satellite infrastructure and launching two new communications satellites, a move aimed at strengthening national coverage, improving service reliability, and boosting resilience in critical communications.According to the minister, these investments are expected to significantly deepen digital access nationwide, reinforce Nigeria’s digital economy, and ensure that telecommunications infrastructure plays a meaningful role in driving economic growth, inclusion, and national development.—What you should knowIn December 2020, the Federal Government introduced the mandatory NIN–SIM linkage policy, directing telecom operators to ensure that all SIM cards in Nigeria were connected to a verified National Identity Number (NIN).The policy was designed to improve national security and strengthen identity verification by limiting anonymous mobile usage and enabling law enforcement agencies to more easily trace communications linked to criminal activities.Over the years, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) set several deadlines for compliance, with September 14, 2024, announced as the final cutoff for full verification. By the end of 2024, more than 153 million SIM cards had been successfully linked to verified NINs, representing approximately 96 percent compliance nationwide.Despite this progress, concerns remain. Questions persist over how bandits and other criminal groups continue to communicate and coordinate operations effectively, even after the completion of the NIN–SIM linkage exercise, raising fresh debates about enforcement, intelligence capabilities, and the misuse of digital tools.