Abia State Strikes Bold Digital Deal with MTN to Transform Economy, Civil Service, and Rural Business

In a decision described as a cornerstone of the digital future of Abia’s state, the government signed a memorandum of understanding with MTN Nigeria on Monday to accelerate its transition to a fully connected and digitally compatible economy.

The agreement, announced by the Information Commissioner, Mr. Okey Kanu, in Umuahia, marks a complete partnership aimed at reshaping Internet access, public service productivity, electronic governance and commercial inclusion through the State.

The memorandum of understanding, the result of months of negotiations, describes six major deliverables which should be implemented before the end of the year, in order to push Abia to the forefront of the Nigeria digital transformation program.

Complete high speed coverage for all Abians

The most ambitious components is MTN’s commitment to obtain a 100% wide -band coverage throughout the state by the end of the year. Kanu said that the project would extend internet access even to the distant parties of Abia, laying the foundations for transparent connectivity and inclusive participation in the digital economy.

“This means that everyone in Abia, whatever their location, will have access to the Internet at high speed,” said Kanu, stressing the state’s vision to become a digitally autonomous company.

Empower officials with smart devices

In a nod to the reform of the public service through technology, the second component of the memorandum of understanding includes a property program of the device which will see laptops, smartphones and Wi-Fi equipment of MTN Finance for civil servants of the state of Abia. Kanu said that they would team up essential tools for the effective provision of government services.

“This program guarantees that civil servants are not left behind in the digital transition of the State,” he added.

Transition to cloud -based governance

Digital governance occupies the front of the scene in the third deliverable, which will see the MTN’s cloud infrastructure and computer infrastructure services to rationalize operations within government ministries and agencies. This decision should improve transparency and improve services at all levels.

A digital shopping center for small businesses

Another remarkable characteristic of the partnership is the creation of an Abia Digital shopping center, aimed at empowering small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) and the informal sector. According to Kanu, this digital market will serve as a platform where local entrepreneurs can take advantage of technology to develop and develop their operations.

“The digital shopping center will transform the operation of small businesses into ABIA,” he said, noting that it would include digital tools that promote financial inclusion, market access and training resources.

High -speed connectivity will be a characteristic of state urban centers. MTN is committed to deploying 4G and 5G services in Umuahia, ABA and Ohafia before the end of the year. These cities should see significant advantages in terms of commercial productivity and digital adoption rate.

A digital market for governance and trade

The sixth area of ​​development of the memorandum of understanding is the creation of a digital market at the level of the State to support both electronic governance and online trade. According to Kanu, this initiative aims to give practical expression to the vision of Governor Alex Otti of Transition Abia in a digital economy of the 21st century.

“This digital market will serve as a public and commercial platform, allowing everything, online payments and the provision of services to virtual commercial interactions,” he said.

Bold digital vision of Governor Otti

Governor Alex Otti, present at the signature ceremony, praised the initiative as a critical step in Abia’s transformation into a center for innovation and competitiveness. He said that the partnership with MTN does not only concern infrastructure, but the modification of the functioning of Abia.

“We lay the foundations for a future where Abia is not only linked but competitive on a national and global scale,” said Otti. “This is a daring decision that will allow our young people to reorganize governance and strengthen the economic profile of the state.”

The CEO of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Karl Toriola, described the partnership as aligned on the mission of the telecommunications giant to extend the advantages of a modern connected life. He said the project mixes investment in infrastructure, innovation and public-private collaboration.

“With this partnership, we combine infrastructure, innovation and collaboration to build a more inclusive, effective and autonomous company,” he said.

The best leaders of MTN, including Lynda Saint-Nwafor (business manager), Shoyinka Shudunke (information manager) and Ojutalayo (Managing Director, Business Development), also attended the event.

Beyond the basic urban areas, the initiative should have a lasting impact on rural communities. Kanu stressed that rural residents would be able to lead digital companies and improve the productivity of distant locations, thus contributing to inclusive development through Abia.

“It is not only a question of building towers; it is a question of building people,” said Kanu. “The digital tools in the hands of the poorly served average economic opportunities.”