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

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to connect all riverine communities across the country to telecommunications services by mid-2027. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, made this announcement at the grand finale of the Bini Riva Live festival in Obighoro, a riverine community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The event marked the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III. Tijani informed the attendees that President Bola Tinubu had directed his ministry to ensure underserved communities were connected to telecommunications services. The government is already installing 3,700 telecommunications facilities in rural communities nationwide, with Obighoro-Ogheye among the areas targeted for network installation.

Tijani stated that the network would be formally flagged off in October, and the government expects all riverine communities to have access to telecommunications services before mid-2027. He emphasized the economic contributions of riverine communities and the potential for improved connectivity to unlock their economic potential.

The initiative aims to strengthen the national economy through telecommunications infrastructure. The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy's Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, also announced that the Bini Riva Live cultural festival would be included in the ministry's annual calendar, starting January and running through December every year, to attract local and foreign tourists.