The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy is taking steps to bridge the existing digital divide by linking electricity access with internet connectivity. The decision was made during a meeting in Abuja which focused on integrating digital infrastructure development.
The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy in collaboration with the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA), brought together government officials, private sector players, development finance institutions, and philanthropic organisations.
The meeting was aimed at exploring how investments in electricity, broadband connectivity, affordable devices, and digital skills can expand access to digital services, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, stressed that digital inclusion goes beyond simply expanding broadband coverage, but giving support needed to meaningfully participate in the digital economy;
“Digital inclusion is not just about connectivity; it is about ensuring that Nigerians have the power, devices, skills, and support needed to meaningfully participate in the digital economy” – Dr. Bosun Tijani
He emphasized that programs such as Flagship Nigeria and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme are designed to integrate electricity supply, affordable internet access, and skills development into a single coordinated strategy.
According to the ministry, many rural and peri-urban communities continue to face unreliable electricity and unaffordable devices, limiting the practical use of digital tools for education, commerce, agriculture, healthcare, and public services.
Meanwhile, PDAA Chief Executive Officer Ibrahima Guimba-Saidou emphasised that electricity should be treated as a foundational digital infrastructure.
He stated that the partnership aims to move beyond policy discussions, and toward implementable systems that can operate at scale. The goal is to blend public and private funding as well as prioritising last-mile communities that are often left behind in digital expansion plans.
Participants at the meeting discussed the need to align infrastructure rollout, funding strategies, device affordability programmes, and skills training. Without such coordination, organisers warned, communities may receive connectivity without power or digital training without functional tools.
The integrated electrification-and-connectivity model seeks to reduce fragmentation in infrastructure planning by strengthening collaboration between power providers, telecom operators, device manufacturers, and training institutions.
