Reps. Deputy Speaker, Kalu Pushes for Digital Inclusion as FG Commissions First NUCAP Tower in Bende

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has said reliable telecommunications connectivity will improve financial inclusion, education, healthcare delivery and economic activities in rural communities.

Kalu spoke on Friday, October 16, during the commissioning of a telecommunications tower under the Federal Government’s National Universal Communications Access Programme (NUCAP) along the Umuahia–Ohafia Road in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State.

The tower was commissioned by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, as part of efforts to extend mobile and broadband services to underserved and unserved communities across the country.

NUCAP is a Federal Government initiative designed to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide. According to Tijani, the programme will deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide to connect nearly 20 million Nigerians who currently lack access to telephone and internet services.

Speaking at the event, Kalu said reliable connectivity was essential to ensuring that rural residents could access opportunities in banking, education, healthcare and commerce.

He noted that poor network coverage often prevents traders from confirming electronic payments, farmers from contacting buyers and families from accessing funds transferred by relatives.

“For those who have always enjoyed reliable network service, connectivity may seem ordinary. For a rural trader whose payment repeatedly fails, a student who cannot join an online lesson, or a family struggling to contact a doctor, it is anything but ordinary,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker added that reliable connectivity, combined with affordable services, financial literacy and consumer protection, would help more rural households participate in the formal economy.

On education, Kalu said the infrastructure would enable pupils to access online lessons, learning materials and tutoring, while helping teachers improve their skills through digital resources.

He also said young people in Bende would have greater opportunities to apply for scholarships, acquire digital skills and explore employment opportunities without having to travel elsewhere in search of reliable internet access.

“The talent is already here in Bende. We must provide the connections through which that talent can grow,” he said.

Kalu further highlighted the potential benefits for healthcare delivery, including enabling health workers to consult specialists, share information securely and coordinate referrals for patients in rural communities.

He also stressed the importance of reliable communication for civic engagement, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach, noting that citizens need access to accurate information and channels to communicate their concerns to public officials.

Describing Bende’s location and proximity to neighbouring states as important for trade and inter-community relations, the lawmaker said improved connectivity could benefit economic activities beyond the constituency.

Kalu disclosed that 16 additional locations requiring connectivity interventions had been identified in Bende. He called on the Ministry of Communications and its partners to work with his office and community leaders to validate the locations, assess coverage gaps and develop a clear implementation plan.

He also emphasised the need for regular maintenance, adequate power supply and prompt repairs to ensure the telecommunications infrastructure delivers reliable services.

The Deputy Speaker thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for the initiative and for selecting Bende as the location for the launch.

He also acknowledged Abia State Governor Alex Otti for supporting Federal Government initiatives and other development projects in the state, pledging continued cooperation with the state government.

Kalu urged traditional rulers and presidents-general of town unions to protect the telecommunications infrastructure as a critical national asset.

Earlier, Tijani said NUCAP was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians, regardless of their location, could access digital opportunities.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given us a clear mandate: work towards bringing every Nigerian online,” the minister said, adding that additional sites would be developed across the country in the coming months.

Tijani said the project would help farmers reach new buyers, traders complete transactions and families communicate more easily, while opening up opportunities for young people to acquire new skills.

He also assured residents that the government would continue working with Kalu, network operators and community leaders to extend connectivity to other underserved parts of Bende.

Highlights of the event included a live demonstration of e-learning at Bende Grammar School using the newly deployed infrastructure and the distribution of mobile phones to constituents.