Telecom operators invest $1bn in Nigeria’s largest network upgrade

In a transformative development for Nigeria’s digital landscape, telecommunications operators have committed over $1 billion to upgrading network infrastructure—the industry’s largest investment in more than a decade.

The landmark move was revealed by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, during a televised interview on TVC News Thursday.

He confirmed that the influx of network equipment from global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will begin arriving in July, marking a critical step toward improved service quality across the country.

“This is the first time in a long while that our telecom companies are placing network equipment orders of this magnitude,” Tijani stated. “We have verifiable data—over $1 billion in confirmed orders—and we’re tracking these deliveries through the OEMs.”

The capital injection follows the 50% telecom tariff increase approved in February 2025, Nigeria’s first major adjustment in over 10 years.

While the hike faced criticism from some consumer advocacy groups, industry leaders and government officials maintained that it was essential to restoring financial sustainability for operators.

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Tijani noted that the revised tariffs have enabled telcos to reinvest in long-overdue infrastructure improvements. “This investment is not just about business; it’s about ensuring that the average Nigerian has access to reliable and fast mobile and internet services,” he said. “We expect Nigerians to start experiencing real improvements in network quality by the third quarter of this year.”

The incoming equipment will support widespread 4G and 5G upgrades, aiming to resolve chronic issues like dropped calls, sluggish data speeds, and poor rural coverage. Industry experts view the development as a potential turning point in Nigeria’s quest for universal broadband access and a thriving digital economy.

The announcement also reinforces statements made in April by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, who said that telcos had made massive orders—particularly from Chinese vendors—to fuel a nationwide network upgrade.

Maida highlighted the need for this transformation, citing a surge in data-driven communication. With more Nigerians using platforms like WhatsApp for voice and video calls, the strain on existing broadband capacity has become more pronounced, pressuring telcos to scale up infrastructure investment.

Beyond urban connectivity, Tijani underscored the critical importance of rural broadband expansion. “Rural coverage isn’t just a service gap; it’s an economic and security priority,” he said. “President Bola Tinubu has made it clear that no Nigerian should be digitally left behind, regardless of location.”

While telecom operators are leading infrastructure expansion in high-density and commercially viable areas, government intervention remains key to bridging connectivity gaps in underserved regions.

“We must go beyond where private capital stops,” Tijani said. “Investing in rural broadband infrastructure isn’t charity—it’s a matter of national security and inclusive development.”

As the $1 billion rollout kicks off this July, stakeholders are optimistic that Nigeria’s telecom sector is poised for a new era of quality, accessibility, and innovation—one that could redefine how millions of Nigerians connect, work, and thrive in the digital age.