The Federal Government has commenced efforts to expand telecommunications and broadband connectivity in underserved communities in Abia State, with Bende Federal Constituency among the areas prioritised under the National Universal Communications Access Programme.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this during a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, where he commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, for drawing the attention of the Federal Government to connectivity gaps in Bende.
The National Universal Communications Access Programme is designed to extend reliable mobile and broadband services to communities without adequate commercial network coverage.
According to Tijani, a telecommunications tower is currently nearing completion along the Umuahia–Ohafia Road in Bende and is expected to improve network coverage in surrounding communities once activated.
He said the Federal Government’s intervention was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to bring unserved and underserved communities across the country online.
“Bende Local Government Area is one of the areas being prioritised under this initiative. The intervention is being undertaken in close collaboration with Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, who brought the connectivity needs of communities in the area to our attention.” – Tijani said,
The minister, however, noted that the single tower would not be sufficient to provide comprehensive coverage across the entire local government area.
He said preliminary assessments indicated that between five and eight additional strategically located sites might be required, subject to detailed technical assessments of existing infrastructure and network coverage.
Tijani listed Uzuakoli, Ozuitem/Nkpa, Item, Igbere, Alayi/Ugwueke and Itumbauzo/Umuhu-Ezechi among the areas expected to be assessed for possible intervention.
He said the Federal Government would ensure that the NUCAP infrastructure complemented existing commercial networks rather than duplicated them.
The minister also disclosed that the ministry was targeting substantial connectivity across Bende before Christmas 2026.
He said improved telecommunications infrastructure would have implications beyond making phone calls, noting that farmers and traders would be able to access markets more easily, while young people, schools, healthcare providers and businesses could benefit from improved digital access.
“Reliable connectivity can enable farmers and traders to reach markets, young people to access digital opportunities, schools and healthcare facilities to use online services, businesses to participate in the digital economy, and citizens to access financial and government services,” Tijani said.
He further linked the programme to the electoral process, saying improved network infrastructure could support the use of digital technologies associated with the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development, Kalu expressed appreciation to Tinubu for approving Bende as one of the areas to benefit from the connectivity intervention.
The Deputy Speaker also commended the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for what he described as the speed with which the programme was being implemented.
Kalu said his office would continue to work with the ministry and the Abia State Government to expand network coverage across the federal constituency.
He also expressed optimism that other parts of Abia State would benefit from the programme.
According to him, improved connectivity would be important to the state’s agricultural and commercial sectors, while also contributing to wider digital inclusion.
“For us, communication plays a vital role in the business and agro sectors of our economy. So, we appreciate him immensely for this initiative.
“Beyond communications and growth of businesses, the initiative will also enhance the integrity of the 2027 general election with the needed network coverage across all polling units.” – Kalu said
The Deputy Speaker added that efforts to improve network connectivity in Abia had been facilitated by the support of the state government.
The Federal Government’s latest intervention comes amid broader efforts to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide by extending telecommunications infrastructure to communities that remain inadequately served by existing commercial networks.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The National Concord Blog Newsletter for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now below!
