FG Launches Digital Village Project with Glo, Huawei to Connect Remote Communities

The Federal Government has inaugurated a groundbreaking Digital Village project in partnership with telecommunications giant Globacom and global technology firm Huawei Technologies, aimed at bridging Nigeria’s digital divide by providing connectivity to over 7,000 underserved communities.

The pilot phase of the initiative was launched on Wednesday at Isuanin Kura in Ibwa 2 community, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the project will deliver voice and data services, telehealth access, and remote learning capabilities to more than 12,000 residents.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who commissioned the project, praised Globacom and Huawei for supporting government efforts to close the connectivity gap affecting over 20 million Nigerians.

“Today, in many rural areas, people cannot access mobile networks at all. This has far-reaching implications—not just for financial services, education, and healthcare, but also for governance,” Dr. Tijani said. “Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity. We are leveraging innovation to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of geography, can thrive in the digital age.”

Globacom’s Group Chief Technical Director, Mr. Sanjib Roy, explained that the company collaborated with the ministry and Huawei to set up the site by deploying a microwave backhaul link, integrating it with Glo’s core network infrastructure, and providing full operational support to maintain uninterrupted voice and data services.

He highlighted the real-world applications of the project, noting that the Smart Education facility now enables students in the community to receive remote instruction from teachers in Abuja, Lagos, or even outside the country. Similarly, healthcare delivery has been transformed through connected medical equipment that allows real-time consultations between patients in Ibwa and medical professionals in urban hospitals.

Importantly, the site is fully powered by solar energy, ensuring a clean and reliable power supply to sustain operations.

A live demonstration during the inauguration illustrated the system’s potential. Community leader Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi participated in a live telemedicine consultation with a doctor based in Abuja, while students received an online lesson from a teacher located in Lagos—underscoring the project’s effectiveness.

Speaking at the event, Globacom’s Head of Division for the North West, Mr. Kazeem Kaka, reiterated the company’s long-standing mission to make communication accessible to all Nigerians.

“Since 2003, Globacom has been dedicated to democratizing access to telephony and internet services. This launch further emphasizes our commitment to breaking barriers and empowering communities through technology,” Kaka said. “We are particularly enthusiastic about the impact this will have on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for the people of Ibwa.”

Huawei’s Managing Director, Mr. Terrens Wu, also expressed his company’s pride in being part of the initiative, stating that Huawei remains committed to using technology to promote inclusive development. As part of its support, Huawei donated 120 affordable smartphones to the Ibwa community to facilitate access to the new services.

The Digital Village project marks a major step in Nigeria’s effort to expand digital inclusion and ensure that all citizens, regardless of location, have access to essential digital tools for learning, healthcare, and communication