President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched “Project 774LG Connectivity” in a bid to bridge the digital divide and enhance government service delivery.
Announced on Wednesday evening by Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the initiative aims to connect all 774 local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria to the internet.
Project 774LG Connectivity, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, will address the challenges of limited digital access by linking every LGA secretariat across the country.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) and Galaxy Backbone Limited, under the direct supervision of the Ministry.
This project promises to improve citizens’ access to essential resources and services, streamline interactions with local authorities, and support local businesses by expanding their digital reach. It is expected to drive economic activity, foster digital skills and innovation, and promote inclusive development, particularly in underserved areas.
The initiative also aims to strengthen governance by enhancing data management and decision-making processes. Given the crucial role local governments play in providing public services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure, Project 774LG Connectivity will significantly impact national development and civic engagement.
This development follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 local governments, allowing them to receive their allocations directly from the Federal Allocation Committee (FAAC).