Abuja: The Federal Government has announced its plan to invest in 7,000 towers to expand network coverage in underserved communities, aiming to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive development across the nation. This initiative was revealed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, during the unveiling of a pilot project in the Ibwa 2 community, located in Gwagwalada, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Tijani mentioned that President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministry to ensure that 7,000 towers are deployed to provide Nigerians with better access to network facilities. He highlighted the fact that approximately 20 million rural residents currently do not have access to such essential services, with over 80 percent of them residing in the northern regions of Nigeria. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that these opportunities are equally available to both urban and rural areas.
The project is a collaborative effort involving Globacom Nigeria and Huawei Technologies Nigeria. It aims to deliver various digital services to over 12,000 residents of the Ibwa 2 community and its surrounding areas. Dr. Tijani indicated that the 7,000 digital hospitals and schools would serve a majority of the 20 million unserved people from northern states.
As part of testing the digital facilities, Dr. Tijani engaged in online conversations with a medical doctor in Abuja and a teacher in Lagos. He assured that all 7,000 projects are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Furthermore, 125 smartphones have been distributed to the community through the Village Head to facilitate access to services, with free WiFi availability.
Terrens Wu, the Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Nigeria, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that it would lead to rural transformation and economic empowerment. He expressed confidence that the project would enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic activities, reaffirming Huawei’s commitment to supporting both rural and urban transformation in Nigeria.
Kassim Kaka, Manager of Globacom Nigeria Northern Region, underscored the company’s dedication to initiatives that enhance digital literacy and inclusion nationwide. Additionally, the Village Head of Ibwa 2 Community, Abubakar Bamaiyi, conveyed his gratitude to the government, noting that previous promises by officials often went unfulfilled, but this time the project had been delivered promptly. He highlighted the benefits of the project, including improved education and healthcare access, and expressed hope that it would elevate the living standards and businesses of the villagers. (NAN)www.nannews.ng>