Nigeria Begins Rural Connectivity Drive With Globacom and Huawei

The Nigerian government, alongside Globacom and Huawei, has launched a groundbreaking pilot project in Isuanin Kura, a small community in Gwagwalada, on the outskirts of Abuja. The initiative marks the first step in a broader effort to digitally connect 7,000 underserved communities across the country. Residents of Isuanin Kura, numbering over 12,000, now have access to 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile networks, public Wi-Fi, remote healthcare, and virtual learning — all supported by solar-powered infrastructure.

Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, praised Globacom and Huawei for backing the ambitious plan aimed at reducing digital exclusion. “If you bring out your phone in many communities, there is no network at all. This is costing the country significantly because people cannot access financial services, medical care, or education,” the Minister noted. He further stressed the importance of equitable access to opportunity, regardless of location. “We are using innovation to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of location, can thrive in the digital age,” he added.

Connectivity, Classrooms, and Consultations

Globacom’s Group Chief Technical Director, Mr. Sanjib Roy, explained the company’s technical involvement in the project. He shared how Glo, in collaboration with Huawei and the Ministry, installed a microwave backhaul link to connect the village to its core network. This ensures continuous access to both voice and data services. The site, completely solar-powered, helps provide uninterrupted connectivity while supporting Nigeria’s move towards green energy solutions.

The community witnessed live demonstrations during the launch. Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi, leader of the Ibwa 2 community, held a virtual medical consultation with a doctor based in Abuja using new Huawei-powered medical technology. At the same time, pupils in a local school received a live lesson from a teacher in Lagos, under the project’s “Smart Education” component. “The Smart Education facility allows for young students within the community to receive education remotely, with the teachers being in Abuja or any other part of the world,” Roy stated.

Bridging the Digital Divide, One Village at a Time

For Globacom, this launch is part of a long-running commitment to democratising access to communication in Nigeria. Mr. Kazeem Kaka, the company’s Head of Division for the North West, described it as a natural continuation of Glo’s mission since 2003. “Today’s launch reinforces that commitment. We are particularly excited about the impact this initiative will have on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment of Ibwa people,” he noted.

Huawei’s Nigerian Enterprises Managing Director, Mr. Terrens Wu, also expressed the company’s excitement over the project’s potential. He noted that Huawei had donated 120 low-cost smartphones to community members to help improve access. “We’re proud to support this effort to use digital technology to improve healthcare and education in rural areas,” Wu said.