The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a digital village pilot project in Ibwa 2, Gwagwalada, FCT, to provide free internet and improve access to telecommunications in underserved rural areas. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized the digital divide affecting over 20 million Nigerians without network access, which hampers education, healthcare, financial services, and security. The initiative is the first step in a larger plan to deploy 7,000 telecom towers across the country.
The project not only connects residents for calls and internet use but also supports remote medical consultations and virtual education. With the help of equipment donated by Huawei, the local hospital can now link up with doctors in urban centers like Abuja, while schools without enough teachers can benefit from remote teaching by educators in cities such as Lagos. A community-wide Wi-Fi network has also been set up, offering free internet to all residents.
Dr. Tijani stressed the government’s goal to make digital access inclusive, regardless of location. With over 80% of unconnected communities located in the North, the project aims to prioritize these areas while working toward nationwide coverage. The ministry is collaborating with industry leaders like Huawei to ensure the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.
To encourage digital participation, Huawei and the ministry also donated 125 low-cost smartphones—each valued at about $25—to the community chief. These devices are part of a broader strategy to test and eventually manufacture affordable smartphones locally, enabling more Nigerians to benefit from digital resources.
Huawei’s MD, Terrence Wu, and Globacom’s executive Kazeem Kaka hailed the project as a transformative collaboration. They highlighted its three pillars: mobile connectivity, digital education, and healthcare access. Both urged residents to protect the infrastructure and use it to enhance their quality of life, calling the initiative a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusive digital development.
Source: Punch