Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is set for a major overhaul as telecom operators have committed over $1 billion to network infrastructure upgrades, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed on Thursday.
Speaking during an interview on TVC, Tijani revealed that the equipment orders — the largest in over a decade — will begin arriving in the country between June and July.
The procurement, he said, is a direct result of the 50 per cent tariff review approved in February 2025.
“We have confirmation that our telcos have placed equipment orders worth over $1bn. That hasn’t happened in a long time in this country,” Tijani stated.
The tariff adjustment, the first in more than 10 years, was introduced to cushion the effect of escalating operating costs that have risen by over 300 per cent.
It has provided the operators with the financial leeway to reinvest in long-overdue infrastructure expansion.
The equipment — sourced largely from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in China — is expected to improve service delivery across the country, enhance broadband penetration, and accelerate 4G and 5G network deployment.
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“By the third quarter, Nigerians should begin to notice a significant improvement in service quality — fewer dropped calls, faster internet, and wider coverage,” the Minister said.
The development follows earlier remarks by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, who had revealed during an April 29 colloquium in Lagos that telecom firms had reached billion-dollar deals with international vendors for a massive technology refresh.
Tijani emphasized the importance of rural connectivity, noting that the government would continue to support infrastructure rollout in less commercially viable regions to close the digital divide and enhance national security.
“If we don’t go into rural areas, commercial telcos won’t. That’s why President Tinubu has made rural coverage a top priority. This is not just about inclusion — it’s about economic growth and security,” he said.
The Minister added that as digital communication shifts increasingly toward data platforms like WhatsApp, there is growing pressure on broadband infrastructure, making investments like this crucial for sustainable growth.
The government says it will continue to monitor the deployment process to ensure transparency and prompt service improvements for millions of users across the country.