The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy has reaffirmed its commitment to support Enugu State in its efforts to transition into a thriving digital economy. During a working visit to the Enugu State yesterday, the Honourable Minister, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, commended Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for making bold strides in leveraging technology to drive economic growth and inclusion.

Describing Enugu State as a model for subnational governments embracing digitalisation, Dr. Tijani commended the State’s investments in infrastructure, education, and economic reforms. He noted that the Federal Government is particularly encouraged by Governor Mbah’s deliberate focus on digital transformation, citing initiatives such as the Smart Green Schools, recently inaugurated by H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), and the removal of Right of Way fees for fibre networks. 

According to him, these efforts reflect the Governor’s commitment to equipping young people with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy and align with his broader vision of transforming Enugu into a $30 billion economy within eight years.

“I am particularly pleased with the participation of Enugu residents in our 3MTT Programme, with over 14,000 applications received so far,” said the Honourable Minister, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani while delivering his remarks. “We have already trained 1,762 fellows, and as we expand into the scale-up phase, our goal is to train over 150,000 fellows in Enugu State alone. I am also aware of ongoing collaborations with the state government to support this, and I sincerely thank you, Your Excellency, for your commitment to the programme,” he added.

As part of the Ministry’s collaboration with Enugu State, Dr. Tijani announced several initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s digital ecosystem. He revealed that under Project 774 LG Connectivity initiative, internet access will be provided across all 17 Local Government Secretariats through Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) and Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT). 

In addition, Galaxy Backbone Limited will work with the state to establish a Digital Innovation Complex in Enugu, which will integrate a Tier III Data Centre, a co-working space for entrepreneurs and startups, an incubation hub offering mentorship and funding access, and a training centre focused on digital skills development. To further expand connectivity, over 200 state-owned institutions, including Smart Green Schools, primary healthcare centres, the State Secretariat, and the Enugu State Government House, will receive internet access.

Recognising the importance of bridging the digital divide, the Honourable Minister also stated that the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) will partner with Enugu State to connect rural areas that currently lack access to digital infrastructure. He also announced that the Federal Government will establish an Artificial Intelligence Regional Centre for the South East at the University of Nigeria Nsukka and launch the National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) South East Zonal Office in Enugu within the next two months. The Ministry will also train 100 individuals in cybersecurity and infrastructure defense, equipping them with critical skills needed to secure Nigeria’s growing digital landscape. Furthermore, through NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All initiative, the Ministry is committing to training over 1 million Enugu State residents in essential digital skills by 2027.

H.E Governor Mbah, in his response, reiterated his administration’s dedication to harnessing the full potential of the digital economy as a key driver of economic diversification. He highlighted Enugu State’s transition to an e-governance platform, which has significantly improved transparency, efficiency, and inter-agency collaboration. Beyond the Smart Green Schools, which are designed to prepare students for the future workplace, he emphasized that the state’s digital transformation efforts are aimed at fostering innovation, attracting investment, and positioning Enugu as a technology-driven economic powerhouse.

With the strengthened collaboration between the Federal Government and Enugu State, the stage is set for the region to accelerate its digital evolution, unlocking new opportunities for growth, inclusion, and prosperity.