In a bold move to close Nigeria’s persistent digital divide, the Federal Government has launched a pilot digital village project in the Ibwa 2 community of Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), providing free internet access, digital healthcare, and remote learning opportunities. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards inclusive digital transformation and economic development.
Ibwa 2, home to over 12,000 residents, is the first of many rural areas targeted under a broader plan to deploy 7,000 digital hospitals and schools across Nigeria. According to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, more than 20 million Nigerians still live without basic telecommunication access—a gap that the new initiative is determined to close.
“If you bring out your phone in many communities, there is no network at all,” Tijani said at the inauguration. “This is costing the country significantly because people cannot access financial services, medical care, or education.”
But beyond the obvious limitations, the lack of digital infrastructure in rural areas also poses deeper security and governance concerns. “Those locations that are not covered become difficult to govern,” he added. This is part of why President Bola Tinubu has directed a nationwide investment in telecommunications towers and digital infrastructure, starting with underserved regions in the North, which account for over 80% of the unconnected population.
Digital Hospitals and Remote Classrooms
One of the project’s standout features is its focus on delivering digital healthcare through connected medical equipment. In Ibwa 2, residents now have access to remote consultations with doctors based in urban centers, thanks to equipment donated by Huawei Technologies. During a demonstration, the community chief used the platform to speak directly with a medical professional in Abuja.
Tijani also underscored the project’s educational impact. At the local school, where teaching staff is limited, remote learning technology now enables students to be taught by a science teacher based in Lagos. “We are transforming education in areas where students previously had no access to quality instruction,” the minister noted.
To promote accessibility and affordability, the ministry partnered with Huawei and Globacom to provide 125 low-cost smartphones, distributed through the community chief. Priced at just $25 each, these devices offer residents the tools to connect with digital services. Complementing this, the government has installed community-wide Wi-Fi, ensuring everyone—from schoolchildren to farmers—can benefit from the digital network.
Expanding to 7,000 Rural Sites
The pilot in Ibwa 2 is only the beginning. Dr. Tijani confirmed the government’s ambitious plan to replicate the model in 7,000 underserved locations across Nigeria by the end of the year. “We are determined to make sure that opportunities are no longer tied to geography. Every Nigerian deserves a fair shot at a digital future,” he said.
According to the minister, these digital hospitals and schools will collectively serve 80% of the 20 million unconnected Nigerians, enabling access to critical services that were previously out of reach.
Public-Private Partnerships Drive Progress
The project reflects a powerful collaboration between the Federal Government, Huawei Technologies Nigeria, and Globacom. Huawei’s Managing Director, Terrens Wu, emphasized the company’s commitment to both rural and urban transformation. “Huawei has the technology to ensure rural areas are fully included in Nigeria’s digital literacy and financial inclusion plans,” he said.
He identified the project’s three pillars—connectivity, digital education, and telemedicine—as vital to building inclusive, self-reliant communities. Wu also highlighted the long-term economic potential of rural digital access, which could stimulate local markets and improve access to financial tools.
Globacom’s Northern Region Manager, Mr. Kassim Kaka, called the launch of the Ibwa 2 Digital Village a “landmark moment” in the country’s digital journey. He praised the collaboration as a model of how industry and government can come together to empower underserved populations. Kaka stressed the importance of infrastructure maintenance and urged local residents to take ownership of the facilities to ensure sustainability.
Towards a Digitally Inclusive Nigeria
With the Ibwa 2 project now live and thousands more planned, Nigeria is taking significant strides toward digital inclusion. From enabling telemedicine and remote teaching to boosting economic opportunities and strengthening national governance, this initiative lays the groundwork for a digitally empowered population.
Dr. Tijani summed up the government’s vision: “Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity. We are using innovation to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of location, can thrive in the digital age.”
As this ambitious initiative rolls out across the nation, it holds the promise not just of connectivity, but of transformation—delivering hope, empowerment, and progress to communities long left behind.
