The Federal Government unveils its plan to digitize local government headquarters across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria by 2027, aiming to boost digital access and improve efficiency in public service delivery.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announces this initiative during a stakeholders’ retreat on the “Project 774 Connectivity” in Abuja. He outlines the government’s strategy to bring every LGA into the digital age by 2027 through partnerships with relevant agencies.
“Our goal is to equip all 774 LGAs with full digital capabilities by 2027, as outlined in our project blueprint,” Dr. Tijani states.
Enhancing Access to Digital Public Infrastructure
Dr. Tijani emphasizes that the primary goal of this digitization project is to drive inclusive development by expanding access to digital public infrastructure, especially in remote and underserved areas. The project focuses on providing reliable internet connectivity to local government offices, enabling them to deliver essential services more efficiently, such as healthcare, education, social welfare, and infrastructure management.
“Local governments are responsible for managing primary healthcare, education, social assistance, and infrastructure development,” Dr. Tijani notes. He adds that the digital transformation aims to empower local businesses, promote digital skills, and increase governance transparency. “Enhanced connectivity will drive local entrepreneurship, foster innovation, and strengthen governance and accountability in these areas,” he adds.
Advancing Rural Connectivity and Social Inclusion
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Oluyomi Arowosafe, underscores the importance of expanding internet access to rural and underserved communities. He explains that such connectivity efforts are crucial for promoting social inclusivity and supporting economic growth.
“The USPF focuses on providing subsidies to service providers to expand coverage in rural areas, which will enhance living standards, healthcare, and economic development,” Arowosafe explains. He highlights that this initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s strategic priorities of economic growth and inclusiveness, with Project 774 designed to improve citizen engagement and public service delivery at the local level.
The project already shows progress in certain regions. Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, reports that several LGAs in Kogi State are benefiting from enhanced digital infrastructure, which improves connectivity and operational efficiency in local government councils.
This nationwide digitization effort marks a significant move towards transforming Nigeria’s public sector, fostering digital inclusion, and enhancing service delivery across all levels of government.
