FG targets mid-2027 to connect all riverine communities to telecoms

Nigeria's Federal Government plans to extend telecommunications services to all riverine communities nationwide by mid-2027. Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, announced the initiative during the Bini Riva Live festival in Delta State.

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It is important that we ensure that we connect every part of this country, including the riverine communities.

The directive from President Bola Tinubu emphasizes connecting underserved areas, with specific plans to install 3,700 telecommunications facilities across rural communities. Obighoro-Ogheye in Warri North Local Government Area is among the targeted locations, with network installation scheduled to begin in October.

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And as God will have it, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved for my ministry to ensure that every part of this country is connected.

Minister Tijani stated that these communities will not only be connected to the rest of Nigeria but also to the global network. He highlighted that the investment is justified by the significant economic contributions of these riverine areas, and enhanced connectivity is expected to unlock their full potential.

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We are coming back in October to flag off the network that will be here.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to leverage telecommunications infrastructure for national economic growth. The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, also present at the event, announced plans to include the Bini Riva Live cultural festival in the ministry's annual calendar.

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Before mid-next year, all riverine communities in Nigeria will not only be connected to the rest of the country, but will be connected to the rest of the world at large.