The Federal Government has inaugurated a digital village pilot project offering free internet access to the rural community of Ibwa 2, Isuanin Kura, in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, as part of efforts to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, highlighted the urgent need to address the connectivity gap across the country. He revealed that more than 20 million Nigerians still lack access to basic telecommunication services.
Dr Tijani also drew attention to the security risks posed by this lack of connectivity, noting that communities without internet coverage are often difficult to govern effectively. He stated that the President has mandated an investment in about 7,000 telecom towers across the country to improve national coverage.
The Ibwa 2 project is expected to serve as a model for future digital infrastructure developments, especially in underserved and remote areas, to promote digital inclusion and rural development.