LIVE UPDATES
The Federal government has revealed intentions to embark on a project that will unify the 774 local governments in Nigeria as well as create employment for the citizens.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani made the revelation while announcing the launch of 'Project 774 LG Connectivity' on Monday through his official communication channels.
Dr. Tijani noted that the project is a strategic initiative aimed at connecting all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria to the internet.
He added that the project would create at least 300 direct jobs and potentially more jobs indirectly from the increase in digital access.
The minister disclosed that the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and Galaxy Backbone will be co-anchoring the 'Project 774 LG Connectivity' under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
He submitted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 'Renewed Hope Agenda' and the ministry’s strategic blueprint aligns with this initiative.
He noted that the primary objective of 'Project 774 LG Connectivity' is to promote inclusive development and enhance access to digital public infrastructure in government offices across Nigeria, including remote and underserved areas.
Dr. Tijani mentioned that the project will leverage the existing infrastructure of NigComSat-1R and Galaxy Backbone to provide internet connectivity to all 774 Local Government Secretariats in the country.
Dr. Tijani emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “Project 774 LG Connectivity will create at least 300 direct jobs as we deploy nationwide and potentially more jobs indirectly from the increase in digital access. "
In a related development, the ministry had previously unveiled the Three Million Technical Talent program in October 2023. The program aims to build Nigeria’s technical talent pool to support the digital economy and position the country as a net talent exporter. It aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of creating two million digital jobs by 2025.
