Abia State Partners With MTN Nigeria to Drive Statewide Digital Transformation

In a landmark move to accelerate digital transformation, the Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MTN Nigeria. The agreement, announced by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, at a press briefing in Umuahia, marks a major step toward positioning the state as a technology-driven economy.

Described as the outcome of extensive negotiations, the MoU outlines six key focus areas aimed at enhancing broadband connectivity, digital governance, and economic inclusion.

Six Pillars of the Abia-MTN Digital Pact

1. Statewide Broadband Coverage
The MoU commits to delivering 100% broadband coverage across Abia State by year-end, ensuring even rural and remote areas gain access to high-speed internet.

“This initiative will connect every part of Abia with broadband, bridging the digital divide and unlocking access to new opportunities,” Kanu said.

2. Device Ownership Scheme for Civil Servants
To enhance workforce productivity, MTN will facilitate a device financing scheme that equips state civil servants with laptops, smartphones, and Wi-Fi devices.

“Our civil servants will now have access to the tools they need to work smarter and deliver better public services,” he added.

3. Boosting Digital Governance
The agreement includes the deployment of cloud services and computing infrastructure to support transparent, efficient, and tech-driven public administration.

4. Establishment of Abia Digital Mall
A digital hub, dubbed the Abia Digital Mall, will be established to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through digital platforms and tools that drive business growth and innovation.

“This will empower informal businesses and SMEs to expand their reach and compete in the digital economy,” Kanu noted.

5. Rollout of 4G and 5G Services
MTN plans to deploy 4G and 5G networks in key cities—Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia—before the end of the year, drastically improving internet speed and reliability across the state.

6. Creation of a Digital Marketplace
A comprehensive digital marketplace will be launched to enhance e-governance, stimulate online commerce, and accelerate economic activities across Abia.

“This aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s vision of transitioning Abia into a 21st-century digital state,” Kanu said.

A Strategic Leap for Abia’s Economy

Governor Alex Otti hailed the partnership as a strategic leap towards transforming Abia into a digitally enabled innovation hub.

“This is a bold move to make Abia competitive in the digital age—empowering youth, modernizing governance, and boosting our economic standing,” he said.

MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, described the initiative as a blend of infrastructure, innovation, and inclusive development.

“We are proud to partner with Abia State in bringing the benefits of a modern connected life to its people,” Toriola stated.

He was joined at the MoU signing by senior MTN executives, including Lynda Saint-Nwafor (Chief Enterprise Business Officer), Shoyinka Shodunke (Chief Information Officer), and Omotayo Ojutalayo (GM, Enterprise Business Development).

Empowering Rural Abia and Driving Growth

Mr. Kanu emphasized the initiative’s inclusive focus, noting that rural dwellers will now be able to run digital businesses and access online services.

“This initiative is about empowering everyone, everywhere in Abia—especially our rural communities—to thrive in the digital age,” he said.

He concluded by acknowledging the state’s upward momentum, even commending Abia Warriors Football Club for their impressive performance in the Nigerian Professional Football League, stating:

“Just as our football team is on the verge of continental glory, so too is Abia State poised for a digital and economic renaissance.”

The Abia-MTN partnership is being seen as a model for public-private collaboration aimed at unlocking the full potential of technology to improve governance, drive economic development, and ensure inclusive growth.