FG, Glo, Huawei Launch Connectivity Project in Abuja Community
Samuel Mobolaji
The Federal Government has officially launched a pilot project aimed at closing the digital divide in Nigeria, bringing voice and data services, digital healthcare, and remote learning to Isuanin Kura in Ibwa 2 community, Gwagwalada, near Abuja. This initiative marks the beginning of a broader plan to deliver digital access to more than 7,000 underserved communities across the country.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, telecommunications giant Globacom, and Huawei Nigerian Enterprises. It is expected to directly benefit over 12,000 residents of the community and support the national agenda of expanding connectivity to over 20 million Nigerians currently without network access.
“Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity,” Dr. Tijani declared, reiterating the ministry’s commitment to using innovation to ensure that every Nigerian has the tools to succeed in the digital age, regardless of their geographical location.
Globacom’s Group Chief Technical Director, Mr. Sanjib Roy, explained that the telecom operator collaborated closely with the Ministry and Huawei to establish the pilot site by providing the Microwave backhaul link, granting full access to its core network infrastructure, and taking charge of managing the site to ensure consistent voice and data service delivery.
He noted that all the equipment at the site is powered by solar energy, guaranteeing environmental sustainability and an uninterrupted power supply.
According to Roy, the Smart Education component of the project allows students in the community to receive real-time instruction from teachers located in Abuja or even outside Nigeria.
He also described the transformation of healthcare delivery, where connected medical equipment enables virtual consultations between patients in the village and specialists in urban hospitals.
The impact of the project was demonstrated live during the launch event. Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi, leader of the Isuanin Kura community, held a real-time medical consultation with a doctor based in Abuja. At the same time, students in the local school were observed participating in a virtual classroom session led by a teacher in Lagos, using equipment provided by Huawei.
Mr. Kazeem Kaka, Globacom’s Head of Division for the North West, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to bridging Nigeria’s connectivity gap. He emphasised that since 2003, Globacom has remained dedicated to making telephony, internet, and data services more affordable and accessible for all Nigerians.
He described the launch as a reaffirmation of that commitment, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and rural economic development.
Huawei Nigerian Enterprises’ Managing Director, Mr Terrens Wu, expressed pride in the company’s role in leveraging digital technology to bring transformative services to rural communities. To further support the initiative, Huawei also donated 120 affordable smartphones to residents, enhancing their access to telephony and digital tools that can improve livelihoods.
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