Abia State partners with MTN to drive digital transformation

• Published On: 14 May 2025 at 20:03

In a historic move to accelerate digital development, the Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MTN Nigeria to deliver a series of digital transformation initiatives throughout the state.

The agreement, announced during a press briefing in Umuahia on Monday, represents the culmination of months of negotiations between the two parties and signals Governor Alex Otti's administration's strategic push to position Abia as a tech-enabled innovation hub.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, outlined six key focus areas covered by the agreement, all of which are expected to be implemented by the end of 2025.

The agreement aims for 100% broadband coverage across Abia State, bringing high-speed internet access to even the most remote areas. "The first area is full broadband coverage across the entire state," Kanu explained, noting that it would improve connectivity for education, commerce, and civic engagement.

To boost public sector productivity, MTN will fund a device acquisition program for state employees, allowing them to buy laptop computers, smartphones, and Wi-Fi devices.

MTN will provide cloud computing and IT infrastructure to modernise state operations, improving service delivery, transparency, and data management. A key initiative under the MoU is the creation of a Digital Mall, a tech-driven platform designed to support SMEs and informal traders through digital commerce tools and financial inclusion services.

MTN is also expected to deploy 4G and 5G services in Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia, enabling faster, more reliable internet access and laying the groundwork for smart city applications and digital entrepreneurship. The final component is the creation of a digital marketplace that integrates e-governance and e-commerce, allowing citizens and businesses to interact more efficiently with government services and capitalise on larger economic opportunities.

Governor Alex Otti described the initiative as "a bold move to position Abia as a digitally enabled economy," reaffirming his administration's commitment to promoting digital inclusion and youth empowerment.

MTN Nigeria CEO Dr Karl Toriola praised the collaboration as a prime example of public-private partnership.