This collaboration was formalized during a courtesy visit on May 20, 2025, when the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, met with Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, in Abuja. The meeting focused on leveraging local steel for the planned rollout of telecom towers and fibre optic networks nationwide, as well as proposals to establish a technology hub at the Ajaokuta Industrial Park and Free Trade Zone.

Speaking through the ministry’s spokesperson, Salamatu F. Jibaniya, Prince Audu emphasized that the alliance aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the administration’s commitment to bolstering domestic industries and reducing dependence on imported materials.

Audu cited the capacity of Nigeria’s steel manufacturers to meet the demands of the digital infrastructure sector. “Your plan to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable and build 7,000 telecom towers at an estimated cost of N3.3 trillion presents a great opportunity for collaboration. Local galvanised steel plants, such as the one recently commissioned in Ogun State, are well-equipped to supply anti-rust materials suitable for telecom tower construction,” he stated.

The minister further advocated for the inclusion of local artisans and welders in the project, noting ongoing training initiatives in the steel sector that could be expanded through the Ministry of Communications’ digital skills programmes. “We have skilled workers capable of executing the physical structures that support telecom expansion,” he added.

Responding, Dr. Tijani welcomed the partnership, describing it as a timely step toward sustainable development. He affirmed that locally produced steel would be prioritised in the construction of telecom towers and that efforts would be made to ensure the continued involvement of local players in the maintenance and operation of the infrastructure.

“My aim is for all steel-related components of this telecom expansion to be sourced entirely from within Nigeria. Collaboration between our ministries will not only strengthen our industrial base but also create jobs and support long-term economic transformation,” Tijani said.

Both ministers agreed to establish a joint technical committee to facilitate smooth implementation and ensure effective coordination between their respective agencies and stakeholders in the private sector.

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Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced this during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) granted approval as part of a broader strategy to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide effectively.

This initiative will complement the ongoing deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables across the country for improved access.

Government Prioritizes Digital Inclusion and Quality Telecom Services

Tijani emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring quality telecom services, particularly in underserved communities.

He stated that infrastructure development aligns with the administration’s goal of boosting digital inclusion and economic opportunities.

“Our priority is meaningful access, ensuring citizens receive not just connectivity but high-quality telecommunications services,” Tijani said.

He highlighted the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) efforts to shift focus toward improving user experience nationwide.

Tariff Increase Approved to Sustain Telecom Sector Growth

Tijani defended the recently approved tariff hike, describing it as necessary for sustaining Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

He acknowledged the challenge of balancing affordability with the need to keep telecom businesses viable for long-term service delivery.

The minister stressed that nearly half a million Nigerians depend on the telecom industry for direct and indirect employment.

“To maintain investments in telecom infrastructure, we must ensure operators remain financially stable while keeping services accessible,” he stated.

KPMG Study Informed Decision on Tariff Adjustment

Tijani disclosed that the government commissioned a study by KPMG to guide the tariff increase decision-making process.

Findings from the study led to the approval of a 50% tariff increase to support the sustainability of telecom operators.

Without the adjustment, he warned, many Nigerians employed in the sector risked job losses, affecting economic stability.

The minister reaffirmed that ensuring “meaningful access” remains a top priority for the government’s digital economy agenda.

New Tariff Implementation and Cost Adjustments

Telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, have started implementing the approved tariff adjustments.

Data costs have risen by at least 10%, while text message charges increased from N4.00 to N6.00 nationwide.

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