Gwagwalada, FCT — June 2, 2025 — In a significant step toward bridging Nigeria’s digital divide, the Federal Government has officially launched a Digital Village Pilot Project in Ibwa 2, Isuanin Kura, a rural community in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory. The project aims to provide free internet access and telecom connectivity to underserved communities, empowering residents with access to healthcare, education, and digital opportunities.
Over 20 Million Nigerians Still Unconnected
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who presided over the inauguration, revealed that over 20 million Nigerians currently lack access to basic telecommunications services.
“If you bring out your phone in many communities, you will see there is no network at all. This is costing the country significantly—financial services cannot be accessed, remote medical care is limited, and education is suffering,” he stated.
Dr. Tijani also highlighted the security risks of connectivity gaps, noting that unconnected areas are harder to govern and manage. As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader strategy, the government plans to deploy 7,000 telecom towers nationwide, with the Ibwa 2 initiative serving as the first pilot of this nationwide connectivity push.
Healthcare and Education Empowered by Technology
The project, powered through a partnership between the Ministry, Huawei, and Globacom, goes beyond basic connectivity. The local health centre has been equipped with telemedicine capabilities, allowing local practitioners to consult with doctors remotely. In a live demonstration, the community chief spoke to a doctor in Abuja via Huawei-donated equipment.
“We are using the same technology to enable remote teaching. At the local school, where there are not enough teachers, a science teacher from Lagos will now teach children in Ibwa 2 via digital tools,” the Minister explained.
A community-wide Wi-Fi network has also been installed, giving all residents access to the internet, opening doors to global information and economic opportunities.
Inclusivity and Affordability: Key to Digital Nigeria
Dr. Tijani emphasized that digital inclusion must not be dictated by geography.
“Where you live should not determine whether you have access. Over 80% of unconnected communities are in the North, so we are prioritising those areas while working towards nationwide equity,” he said.
To promote affordable access, Huawei and the Ministry donated 125 entry-level smartphones (costing about $25 each) to the community, and plans are underway to scale affordable device access through partnerships and possibly local manufacturing.
Partnership-Driven Transformation
Terrence Wu, Managing Director of Huawei Nigeria Enterprise, lauded the collaboration as a “groundbreaking effort rooted in innovation.”
“Our vision for this initiative is anchored on three pillars—mobile connectivity, digital education, and accessible healthcare,” he noted, adding that the integration of Huawei technology, Globacom’s infrastructure, and the Ministry’s leadership is crucial to delivering high-speed connectivity to rural Nigeria.
Globacom’s Head of Division (Northwest), Mr. Kazeem Kaka, described the Digital Village as a “landmark moment in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey,” urging Ibwa 2 residents to safeguard the infrastructure and embrace the opportunities it brings.
“Affordable phones and internet are no longer luxuries—they are tools for learning, health, and commerce. This bold step opens the door to a truly inclusive digital future,” Kaka added.
A Blueprint for National Expansion
With over 12,000 residents, Ibwa 2 is among the first rural communities to benefit from the federal government’s rural digitization initiative. The project forms part of a wider vision to integrate millions of Nigerians into the digital economy, enhancing national development, security, and competitiveness in the digital age.
For more updates on Nigeria’s digital transformation and rural development, visit AbujaBusinessNews.com.
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