Nigeria Sets Ambitious Goal to Fully Digitalize All 774 Local Governments by 2027
Nigeria is embarking on a bold initiative to digitally connect all of its 774 local government areas (LGAs) by 2027, marking an important step towards enhancing access to government services and fostering inclusive digital development across the nation.
The ambitious project, outlined by the Federal Government, will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, in collaboration with key stakeholders such as Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat), and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ retreat on the “Project 774 Connectivity” held in Abuja on Thursday, led by the Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Dr. Tijani emphasized that the full digitalization of all local government headquarters is a major priority for the administration, with a completion target set for 2027. “By 2027, we plan to ensure that all 774 local governments are digitally connected,” he said. “This will be part of a broader national effort to ensure that even the most remote regions of Nigeria gain access to essential digital services.”
The project aims to enhance the capacity of local governments to deliver critical public services, ranging from healthcare and education to waste management and infrastructure development. By equipping LGAs with reliable internet access and advanced technology, the government hopes to improve efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement at the grassroots level.
One of the key goals of the project is to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that underserved and rural communities no longer face barriers to accessing digital public infrastructure. According to Dr. Tijani, the initiative will also empower local entrepreneurs and businesses by improving connectivity and access to information.
“Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology, we are working to provide affordable, reliable internet access to local governments and communities,” Tijani added. “This will make it easier for Nigerians, no matter where they live, to interact with government services, fostering inclusive development across the country.”
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The project is also aligned with broader national goals of social equity and inclusivity. Oluyomi Arowosafe, Executive Secretary of the USPF, explained that the organization’s role is to provide internet access in rural and underserved areas, thus helping to level the playing field for all Nigerians.
“Our aim is to extend ICT services and internet connectivity to areas that have long been left out of the digital economy,” Arowosafe said. “Through grants and subsidies, the USPF is facilitating the rollout of internet infrastructure to ensure that no one is left behind.”
This initiative is a key component of the Nigerian government’s commitment to achieving economic growth and improving living standards in rural and underserved areas. Arowosafe highlighted that the project would directly contribute to improving Nigeria’s Human Development Index (HDI), which currently ranks 161st out of 193 countries.
The digitalization project is already making headway in various states. Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications in Kogi State, shared that several local government areas in the state have already begun to benefit from the project.
“We are already seeing the positive impact of this initiative in our state,” Fanwo said. “The connectivity is transforming how local governments operate, improving administrative efficiency and ensuring that citizens have better access to government services.”
Fanwo expressed hope that the digitalization effort would continue to spread across the country, creating a more connected and efficient governance structure at the local level.
