The News:
- Nigeria's Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has launched 'Project 774 LG Connectivity,' which aims to connect 774 local government secretariats in Nigeria to the Internet.
- The connectivity programme is expected to increase digital access and create over 300 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
- The Minister of CIDE, Bosun Tijani, stated that the project will be handled in collaboration with Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and Galaxy Backbone under the President's (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) Renewed Hope Agenda.
Project 774 LG Connectivity is an initiative that aims to address limited Internet and digital access by providing dependable and affordable Internet and resources. Thus, Internet access will extend beyond government offices, empowering communities, increasing citizen engagement, and driving inclusive growth.
The project's implementation strategy includes infrastructure development, capacity building, digital inclusion, and monitoring and evaluation.
For infrastructure development, it deals with investment in broadband infrastructure, like fibre-optic cables, wireless networks and satellite connectivity. Nigeria’s broadband penetration reportedly declined by 10.7% in late January 2024.
Regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will also be established to ensure accountability, measure the project's impact, and identify areas for improvement.
For the first phase of the 3 million technical talent programme, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy partnered with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in October 2023.
The project, which aims to develop Nigeria's technical talent and drive the country's digital economy, is also said to be consistent with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope agenda.
In January 2024, the government announced plans to digitise public services to protect citizens' data. The project also includes Galaxy Backbone, a government IT provider that is part of 'Project 774 LG Connectivity'.
What's more, between 2018 and 2022, Nigeria's percentage of Internet users climbed from 26% to over 38%, and by 2027, 60% of the country's population is predicted to be online.
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Meanwhile, on March 14, 2023, the Nigerian government announced the launch of a $618 million tech fund for young investors. The fund will support investors who need help raising money in Nigeria's tech and creative sectors.
