The Federal Government has unveiled a new initiative targeted at connecting the entire country with Internet facilities.
Done through a project of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, tagged ‘Project 774 LG Connectivity,’ the development seeks to address limited Internet and digital access by connecting all the 774 local government secretariats to the Internet.
Announced yesterday by the Minister in charge of the Ministry, Dr Bosun Tijani, the project, which will be co-anchored by the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and Galaxy Backbone, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and the ministry’s strategic blueprint.
Tijani, in a post on his X handle, added that the project’s overarching goal was to foster inclusive development and access to digital public infrastructure in government offices located all over Nigeria, including the most remote areas of the country that may have been previously underserved or unserved.
Tijani said the connectivity programme would not only increase digital access but also create at least 300 jobs.
“Project 774 LG Connectivity will create at least 300 direct jobs as we deploy nationwide and potentially more jobs indirectly from the increase in digital access. It is also aligned with our Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint and is a significant step in achieving President @officialABAT’s mandate to deliver efficient public service to our citizens at the LG level,” he said.
The minister added that through strategic partnerships and the deployment of cutting-edge technology, Project 774 LG Connectivity will provide local governments with reliable and affordable internet access and resources required to deliver efficient public services, promote transparency in service delivery, stimulate economic growth and improve citizen engagement.
“The implementation of this project is expected to drive transformation and unlock opportunities that will deliver sustainable development for all, through the power of connectivity,” he added.
The ministry had also informed of plans to deploy Internet connection across all government institutions in the country to stimulate demand and encourage more investment in broadband infrastructure.
According to him, many operators are not willing to lay fibre in many parts of the country outside the major cities because of low demand.
Giving reasons for the slow development in the country, Tijani said this mostly had to do with return on investments, as there are areas the private operators considered not that profitable for business.
However, to increase consumptions, he said the ministry was working to ensure that all public institutions across the country are connected to stimulate Internet demand and consumption, especially in schools, hospitals, government offices, libraries, markets among others.
