FG targets mid-2027 to connect all riverine communities to telecoms

The Federal Government of Nigeria aims to connect all riverine communities to telecommunications services by mid-2027, according to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. Dr. Tijani announced this during the grand finale of the Bini Riva Live festival, which marked the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri.

The minister stated that President Bola Tinubu had directed his ministry to ensure underserved communities, including riverine areas, are connected to telecommunications services. The government has already installed 3,700 telecommunications facilities in rural communities across Nigeria, with Obighoro-Ogheye among the targeted areas.

The network installation in Obighoro-Ogheye is scheduled to be formally flagged off in October. Dr. Tijani emphasized that the investment in this infrastructure is justified by the economic contributions of riverine communities and believes that improved connectivity will unlock their economic potential. He added that the initiative is part of efforts to use telecommunications infrastructure to strengthen the national economy.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, also spoke about including the Bini Riva Live cultural festival in the ministry's annual calendar, aiming to promote the festival and attract tourists from within and outside Nigeria.