- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has on Wednesday approved the deployment of 4,000 telecom towers nationwide to expand digital access in rural communities.
Muhammed Idris, the Minister of Information and Strategy, made this known while briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
Idris said the approval followed a joint memo, adding that the initiative targets communities lacking basic digital connectivity and economic inclusion.
“There is also an approval by FEC granted to the Ministry of Digital Communications and the Ministry of Finance to establish service centers for agricultural mechanization and digital economy on the deployment of towers to places that are currently underserved.
“Under that program, about 4,000 towers will be erected in underserved communities.
“The presentation of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy indicates that about 23 million Nigerians are currently underserved, meaning that they are unable to do anything.” He said.
The Minister said limited digital access had hindered economic participation and basic communication in remote areas.
He noted that the measure would also strengthen national security and boost commerce in rural communities.
“Indeed, this will also help in fighting insecurity and enhancing commerce and economic activity amongst the people of Nigeria.” Idris said.
The minister said the council also issued new directives to intensify project prioritisation across government agencies.
Idris added that FEC further approved service centres for agricultural mechanisation across the geopolitical zones to boost year-round farming.
He said, “There was also a decision taken by the Federal Executive Council to establish service centers for agricultural mechanization in the six geopolitical zones.”
The minister said the decisions aligned with the medium-term expenditure framework earlier presented by the ministers of finance and budget.