In a bid to bridge the digital divide in the grassroots, the federal government has unveiled plans to provide Internet access to the 774 local government areas in the country.
This will further improve connectivity in underserved and unserved areas.
This, according to BusinessDay,
aims to achieve this through strategic partnerships and the deployment of fibre optics cable nationwide.
According to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and Galaxy Backbone, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, will co-anchor the project.
The government hopes that improved connectivity will provide local governments with reliable and affordable Internet access and the resources required to deliver efficient public services, promote transparency, stimulate economic growth, and improve citizen engagement.
Part of what the government aims to includes, “With online government portals to digitalised service delivery platforms, improved connectivity will enable residents to access vital resources, apply for approvals and permits, and engage with local authorities more efficiently.
“By acting as economic information hubs that can provide access to online markets and research for small and medium enterprises, local businesses can expand their reach, attract new customers and stimulate local economic activity.”
The government believes that with improved access to online educational resources, training programs and digital literacy initiatives, residents will be able to acquire the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. The government is unclear about how it will fund its plan for Local Governments, stating it will ensure robust investment in broadband infrastructure without listing from where.
