The Federal Government has unveiled plans to connect rural and riverine communities across Nigeria to reliable telecommunications services by mid-2027, in a major push to close the country’s digital gap.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, announced the initiative during the inaugural BINI RIVA LIFE Festival at Ogboghoro Community in Delta State.
The festival was held to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the coronation of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III.
3,700 Towers Planned for Rural Communities
Tijani disclosed that the Federal Government is deploying 3,700 telecommunications towers across rural communities, including hard-to-reach areas in riverine locations.
He said work had already started in Ogboghoro, while installation was also ongoing in Ogheye.
According to the minister, he would return to the communities in October for the network launch, expressing optimism that riverine communities would be connected to the wider Nigerian and global digital economy by mid-2027.
He explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the project as part of the administration’s strategy to drive economic growth and achieve its $1 trillion economic ambition.
Tijani stressed that the government’s economic target would be difficult to achieve if millions of Nigerians remained without access to digital connectivity.
Telecom Access Could Transform Riverine Communities
The minister said extending telecommunications infrastructure to underserved communities would do more than improve phone and internet access.
He noted that connectivity could unlock the economic potential of riverine communities by giving residents better access to businesses, digital services, education, financial opportunities and the wider national economy.
For communities that have historically struggled with limited infrastructure because of their difficult terrain, improved connectivity could provide a major pathway into Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
FG Wants Festival to Become Tourism Hub
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, urged organisers to transform the BINI RIVA LIFE Festival into a year-round tourism destination.
Musawa said the Federal Government intended to include the festival in the ministry’s annual calendar in a bid to attract more Nigerian and international tourists.
She argued that Nigeria already possesses a strong tourism identity through its rivers, communities, festivals, fashion and cultural traditions.
The minister highlighted music, craftsmanship, traditional practices and the country’s cultural diversity as major assets capable of driving tourism and creating economic opportunities.
Community Leaders Welcome Federal Government’s Interest
The National Leader of the community, Dr Godwin Ebosa, commended the Federal Government delegation for its interest in the development of riverine communities.
He said the festival could become a catalyst for increased economic activity and infrastructure development in the host communities.
With thousands of telecom towers planned and renewed attention being given to riverine tourism, the initiative could mark a significant shift for communities that have long remained on the margins of Nigeria’s digital and economic development.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, announced the initiative during the inaugural BINI RIVA LIFE Festival at Ogboghoro Community in Delta State.
The festival was held to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the coronation of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III.
3,700 Towers Planned for Rural Communities
Tijani disclosed that the Federal Government is deploying 3,700 telecommunications towers across rural communities, including hard-to-reach areas in riverine locations.
He said work had already started in Ogboghoro, while installation was also ongoing in Ogheye.
According to the minister, he would return to the communities in October for the network launch, expressing optimism that riverine communities would be connected to the wider Nigerian and global digital economy by mid-2027.
He explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the project as part of the administration’s strategy to drive economic growth and achieve its $1 trillion economic ambition.
Tijani stressed that the government’s economic target would be difficult to achieve if millions of Nigerians remained without access to digital connectivity.
Telecom Access Could Transform Riverine Communities
The minister said extending telecommunications infrastructure to underserved communities would do more than improve phone and internet access.
He noted that connectivity could unlock the economic potential of riverine communities by giving residents better access to businesses, digital services, education, financial opportunities and the wider national economy.
For communities that have historically struggled with limited infrastructure because of their difficult terrain, improved connectivity could provide a major pathway into Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
FG Wants Festival to Become Tourism Hub
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, urged organisers to transform the BINI RIVA LIFE Festival into a year-round tourism destination.
Musawa said the Federal Government intended to include the festival in the ministry’s annual calendar in a bid to attract more Nigerian and international tourists.
She argued that Nigeria already possesses a strong tourism identity through its rivers, communities, festivals, fashion and cultural traditions.
The minister highlighted music, craftsmanship, traditional practices and the country’s cultural diversity as major assets capable of driving tourism and creating economic opportunities.
Community Leaders Welcome Federal Government’s Interest
The National Leader of the community, Dr Godwin Ebosa, commended the Federal Government delegation for its interest in the development of riverine communities.
He said the festival could become a catalyst for increased economic activity and infrastructure development in the host communities.
With thousands of telecom towers planned and renewed attention being given to riverine tourism, the initiative could mark a significant shift for communities that have long remained on the margins of Nigeria’s digital and economic development.
