The Federal Government has unveiled a Smart Village pilot initiative in the Ibwa 2 community of Isuanin Kura, Gwagwalada, Abuja, offering free Wi-Fi access as part of a broader plan to digitally connect 7,000 rural communities across Nigeria.
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, while unveiling the pilot project in Abuja, dislocated that president Bola Tinubu had directed that the ministry should provide the unserved communities with 7,000 digital facilities.
Tijani noted that there were about 20 million rural dwellers who do not have access to benefit from such facilities.
He said, “In several communities, if you bring out your phone, you’ll find there’s no network at all,” he noted. “This lack of connectivity is costing the country immensely—people are cut off from financial services, remote medical support is impossible, and our educational systems in these areas are falling behind.”
The minister further underscored the security implications of such isolation,“Areas without network coverage are harder to govern and monitor. That’s why the president has approved the deployment of about 7,000 telecom towers across the country. Today marks the launch of the first pilot in that national effort.”
The Ibwa 2 community, home to over 12,000 residents, is among the first to benefit from this initiative, along with neighboring communities that previously had no telecommunications infrastructure.
The minister clarified that this project goes far beyond simply enabling phone calls.
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“We’re using the same infrastructure to power digital healthcare. Huawei has donated equipment that now allows medical staff here to consult doctors anywhere in the world,” he said.
“In fact, we just witnessed the community chief speak directly with a doctor in Abuja via this technology.”
The impact on education is equally transformative.
“At the local school, where there aren’t enough teachers, students will now be taught remotely. A science teacher from Lagos will deliver lessons virtually using this system,” he explained.
Highlighting the inclusive nature of the initiative, the minister added:
“This is not limited to institutions—there is community-wide Wi-Fi here, accessible to everyone. It’s a gateway for people to tap into global knowledge, opportunities, and services.”
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digital inclusivity, stressing that “where you live should not determine whether you have access.”
He noted that over 80% of unconnected communities are in Northern Nigeria, making them a priority under the national connectivity initiative, while ensuring balanced progress across the country.
He also highlighted the government’s collaboration with leading tech firms, particularly Huawei, to ensure sustainable infrastructure development.
As part of efforts to make digital access more affordable, the ministry,alongside Huawei—donated 125 low-cost smartphones (valued at around $25 each) to the community chief.
“These are some of the most affordable smartphones globally. We’re testing them here with plans to expand availability and explore local manufacturing,” the minister said.
The Ibwa 2 Smart Village pilot marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s push toward universal digital access, aiming to empower all citizens to participate in the digital economy.
Terrence Wu, Managing Director of Huawei Nigeria Enterprise, described the partnership as a groundbreaking collaboration driven by innovation and a shared vision for inclusive development.
He emphasized that the project is anchored on three key pillars, mobile connectivity, digital education, and accessible healthcare, which are vital to building resilient, inclusive communities.
Wu highlighted the synergy between Huawei’s advanced technology, Globacom’s infrastructure, and the strategic leadership of the Ministry of Communications, noting that together they would bring high-speed internet and telemedicine to underserved regions.
“This initiative is our commitment to ensuring rural Nigerians have equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. No one should be left behind in the digital age,” he said.
Also speaking at the launch, Kazeem Kaka, Head of Division for the North West at Globacom, hailed the inauguration of the Nigerian National Digital Village as a milestone in the country’s digital transformation.
He applauded the collaboration between Huawei, Globacom, and the Ministry of Communications, describing it as a bold step toward a more inclusive digital future.
Kaka underlined the importance of affordable smartphones and reliable internet in unlocking opportunities across education, healthcare, and commerce for rural populations.
He called on residents of Ibwa 2 to safeguard the infrastructure and take full advantage of the newly available digital tools to build a more prosperous and connected future.
Abubakar Bamaiyi, the Village Head of Ibwa 2 Community, expressed gratitude to the government for delivering on its promise, noting that in the past, officials often visited and made commitments that never materialized.
“This time is different—we are seeing real change and tangible impact in our community,” he said.
