FG, Glo, Huawei Bridge Digital Divide with Pilot Project in Abuja Rural Community

ABUJA, Nigeria – May 29, 2025 – The Federal Government's ambitious initiative to extend digital access to over 7,000 remote Nigerian communities officially commenced today with the launch of a pilot project in Isuanin Kura, Ibwa 2 community, Gwagwalada, near Abuja. 

This collaborative effort, involving the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Globacom, and Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, is set to provide voice and data services, digital healthcare, and remote learning to over 12,000 residents in the community.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, who commissioned the project, commended Globacom and Huawei for their pivotal role in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s objective of bridging the significant connectivity gap affecting over 20 million Nigerians.

Dr. Tijani underscored the severe impact of this digital divide, noting that the absence of network access in many communities hinders access to essential financial services, medical care, and education, while also complicating governance. "Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity," Dr. Tijani asserted, reaffirming the ministry's commitment to leveraging innovation to ensure every Nigerian can thrive in the digital age, irrespective of their location.

Mr. Sanjib Roy, Globacom’s Group Chief Technical Director, detailed the company's contributions, explaining that Globacom worked with the Ministry and Huawei to bring up the site by providing the Microwave backhaul link and access to Globacom’s full core network resources. He added that the company will manage the site's operation to ensure uninterrupted voice and data services for the community.

Mr. Roy highlighted the innovative aspects of the project: "The Smart Education facility allows for young students within the community to receive education remotely, with the teachers being in Abuja or any other part of the world, while Healthcare delivery has been revolutionised through connected medical equipment that enables remote consultations between patients in Ibwa and doctors and specialists in urban locations." He also noted that the entire site and its equipment are powered by solar energy, ensuring a clean environment and uninterrupted power supply.

The immediate effectiveness of the project was visibly demonstrated during the inauguration. Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi, the leader of the Isuanin Kura, Ibwa 2 Community, successfully engaged in a live medical consultation with a doctor in Abuja. Simultaneously, students at the local school were seen participating in an online video lesson from a teacher in Lagos, utilizing equipment supplied by Huawei.

Mr. Kazeem Kaka, Globacom’s Head of Division, North West, reaffirmed the company's long-standing commitment to democratizing communication since 2003. "Today’s launch reinforces that commitment," he stated, expressing particular excitement about the initiative's transformative impact on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment in Ibwa 2 community.

Mr. Terrens Wu, Managing Director of Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, expressed pride in his company's participation in bringing connectivity, learning, and healthcare to rural communities through digital technology. As part of their contribution, Huawei also donated 120 affordable smartphones to the community, further enhancing access to telephony for residents.