FG to Launch National Fibre Network, Digital Postcode, Telecom Towers Within Weeks

The Federal Government will, within the next few weeks, begin the rollout of three major digital infrastructure projects aimed at improving broadband connectivity, expanding telecommunications access in underserved communities and introducing a modern digital addressing system across the country.

The projects include the deployment of a 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic network, the installation of about 3,700 telecommunications towers and the launch of an alphanumeric postcode system scheduled for October 1.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

According to Tijani, the government has completed the resource mobilisation and contractual processes required for the projects, clearing the way for implementation.

He said the nationwide fibre-optic project would strengthen broadband infrastructure across every state, geopolitical zone, local government and ward in the country.

“Every state, every geopolitical zone, every local government and every ward in this country will be covered with fibre optic cables which will transform the quality of connectivity. So, that is number one, which I have updated him on,” he said.

On expanding telecommunications access, the minister said the government was targeting more than 20 million Nigerians living in rural communities without any form of telecommunications service.

Tijani also announced that the Federal Government would launch an alphanumeric postcode system on October 1, describing it as a modern digital addressing system capable of identifying every property in Nigeria.

“The third one is the postcode alphanumeric. Nigeria will be among 10 or 15 countries in the world with alphanumeric postcode. It’s the latest design in postcode system where we can now identify every property in this country. We are hoping to launch that one on the 1st of October. That project is actually ready. We are fine-tuning it,” he said.

The minister said the three projects are part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to strengthen digital infrastructure, widen connectivity and improve public service delivery.

He added that the initiatives align with the ministry’s strategic blueprint for accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Tijani further described the Federal Government’s N12 billion investment plan in the digital economy as a key complement to the nationwide deployment of the 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic infrastructure.

He, however, stressed that while digital infrastructure remains critical, the long-term growth of the sector would depend on stronger research, innovation and evidence-based policymaking.