In a move described as a cornerstone for Abia State’s digital future, the government on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MTN Nigeria to accelerate its transition into a fully connected, digitally enabled economy.

The agreement, announced by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, in Umuahia, marks a comprehensive partnership aimed at reshaping internet access, civil service productivity, e-governance, and business inclusion across the state.

The MoU, the result of months of negotiations, outlines six major deliverables expected to be implemented before the end of the year, with the aim of pushing Abia to the forefront of Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

The most ambitious of the components is MTN’s commitment to achieving 100 percent broadband coverage across the state by year-end. Kanu said the project would extend internet access even to remote parts of Abia, laying the foundation for seamless connectivity and inclusive participation in the digital economy.

“This means everyone in Abia, regardless of location, will have access to high-speed internet,” Kanu said, underscoring the state’s vision to become a digitally empowered society.

In a clear nod to civil service reform through technology, the second component of the MoU involves a device ownership scheme that will see MTN finance laptops, smartphones, and Wi-Fi equipment for Abia State civil servants. Kanu said this would equip them with essential tools for the efficient delivery of government services.

“This scheme ensures that civil servants are not left behind in the state’s digital transition,” he added.

Digital governance takes center stage in the third deliverable, which will see MTN deploy cloud infrastructure and computing services to streamline operations within government ministries and agencies. The move is expected to enhance transparency and improve service delivery across board.

Another standout feature of the partnership is the establishment of an Abia Digital Mall, targeted at empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the informal sector. According to Kanu, this digital marketplace will serve as a platform where local entrepreneurs can leverage technology to grow and scale their operations.

“The digital mall will transform how small businesses operate in Abia,” he said, noting that it would include digital tools that promote financial inclusion, access to markets, and training resources.

High-speed connectivity will be a hallmark of urban centers in the state. MTN has committed to rolling out both 4G and 5G services in Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia before the year ends. These cities are expected to see significant benefits in terms of business productivity and digital adoption rates.

The sixth focus area of the MoU is the creation of a state-wide digital marketplace to support both e-governance and online commerce. According to Kanu, this initiative is intended to give practical expression to Governor Alex Otti’s vision of transitioning Abia into a 21st-century digital economy.

“This digital marketplace will serve as a public and commercial platform, enabling everything from online payments and service delivery to virtual business interactions,” he said.

Governor Alex Otti, present at the signing ceremony, praised the initiative as a critical step in transforming Abia into a hub for innovation and competitiveness. He said the partnership with MTN is not just about infrastructure but about changing the way Abia operates.

“We are laying the foundation for a future where Abia is not just connected but competitive on a national and global scale,” Otti said. “This is a bold move that will empower our youth, revamp governance, and boost the state’s economic profile.”

MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, described the partnership as aligned with the telecom giant’s mission to expand the benefits of a modern connected life. He said the project blends infrastructure investment, innovation, and public-private collaboration.

“With this partnership, we are combining infrastructure, innovation, and collaboration to build a more inclusive, efficient, and empowered society,” he said.

Top MTN executives, including Lynda Saint-Nwafor (Chief Enterprise Business Officer), Shoyinka Shodunke (Chief Information Officer), and Omotayo Ojutalayo (General Manager, Enterprise Business Development), also attended the event.

Beyond the core urban areas, the initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on rural communities. Kanu stressed that rural dwellers would be able to conduct digital business and improve productivity from remote locations, thereby contributing to inclusive development across Abia.

“This is not just about building towers; it’s about building people,” Kanu said. “Digital tools in the hands of the underserved mean economic empowerment and opportunity.”