Glo, Huawei, FG Launch Digital Connectivity Project in Remote Abuja Community

Glo, Huawei, FG Launch Digital Connectivity Project in Remote Abuja Community

In a landmark move to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, telecommunications giant Globacom has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and Huawei Nigerian Enterprises to bring digital connectivity to underserved communities. The pilot phase of the initiative was officially launched on Wednesday in Isuanin Kura, Ibwa 2, located in Gwagwalada Area Council on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The project, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, aims to extend voice and data services, digital healthcare, and remote learning capabilities to over 12,000 residents of the rural community. It is part of a broader plan to provide digital access to more than 7,000 remote communities across Nigeria, targeting over 20 million people who currently lack basic telecommunication services.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, praised Globacom and Huawei for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to eliminate digital exclusion.

“Many communities in Nigeria still suffer from a total lack of connectivity. This is a major challenge for development, as it limits access to financial services, healthcare, education, and even effective governance,” Dr. Tijani noted. “Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity. We are leveraging innovation to ensure every Nigerian can thrive in the digital age, regardless of location.”

Globacom’s Group Chief Technical Director, Mr. Sanjib Roy, explained that Glo provided the Microwave backhaul link and access to its core network, while also managing the site’s operations to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. The project site and its digital infrastructure are powered by solar energy, supporting sustainable and clean energy goals.

He highlighted the practical benefits of the initiative: “The Smart Education facility enables remote learning, allowing students in the community to attend classes taught by teachers located anywhere in the world. In addition, connected medical equipment makes it possible for residents to receive remote consultations from doctors based in urban hospitals.”

During the inauguration, the real-time capability of the system was showcased as the community head, Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi, engaged in a live teleconsultation with a doctor in Abuja. Meanwhile, students participated in an interactive virtual lesson taught from Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Kazeem Kaka, Globacom’s Head of Division for the North West, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding access to connectivity.

“Since our launch in 2003, we have championed the democratization of communication services in Nigeria. Today’s initiative is another step in our mission to make telephony, internet, and digital services affordable and accessible to every Nigerian,” he said.

Huawei’s Managing Director of Nigerian Enterprises, Mr. Terrens Wu, expressed pride in the company’s role in the project. “We are delighted to support the digital transformation of rural areas through connectivity, healthcare, and education solutions,” he said.

To complement the effort, Huawei also donated 120 affordable smartphones to members of the community to enable immediate access to the newly launched digital services.

The initiative marks a significant milestone in the federal government’s efforts to deepen digital inclusion, improve service delivery, and drive socio-economic development in rural Nigeria.