The Federal Government has announced plans to connect all riverine communities in Nigeria to telecommunications services before the middle of 2027.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Sunday during a visit to Obighoro, a riverine community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Tijani spoke while addressing participants at the Grand Finale of the Bini Riva Live festival, held as part of activities marking the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The minister, who attended the event alongside the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said President Bola Tinubu had directed the Communications Ministry to accelerate efforts to connect riverine communities across the country.
According to Tijani, improved telecommunications access would help strengthen economic activities and connect communities that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
He said the government was installing telecommunications infrastructure in 3,700 rural communities across Nigeria as part of its broader connectivity programme.
Tijani said the rollout would begin from Obighoro-Ogheye, with plans to return in October to formally flag off the network deployment in the area.
He added that the government expects all riverine communities to be connected to the rest of Nigeria and the wider world before the middle of 2027.
The minister said the investment in telecommunications infrastructure was justified by the economic contribution of riverine communities and the need to ensure that no part of the country was excluded from digital connectivity.
He added that the President had mandated the ministry to explore ways of using effective communications infrastructure to further strengthen the national economy.
Speaking at the event, Musawa said arrangements had been concluded to include the Bini Riva Live cultural festival in the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy’s annual calendar.
She said the inclusion would help promote the festival and attract both local and international tourists to the riverine communities.
Musawa also encouraged residents of the riverine communities to intensify their fishing activities and develop the industry to meet international standards.
Earlier, the national leader of the Obighoro community, Dr Godwin Ebosa, commended the Federal Government delegation for its interest in the socioeconomic development of riverine communities.
Ebosa pledged the continued support of residents in the area for government initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and development of rural communities.
The planned telecommunications rollout is expected to improve connectivity, expand access to digital services and create new economic opportunities for residents of underserved riverine communities across Nigeria.
