Abia, MTN Sign Landmark MOU On Digital Transformation As State Eyes EEDC Asset Acquisition
In a major stride toward technological advancement and improved infrastructure, the Abia State Government (ABSG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MTN Nigeria Limited to facilitate the digital transformation of the state across six strategic areas.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this disclosure at the Government House, Umuahia, during a press briefing.
Prince Kanu highlighted that the MOU is the product of months of detailed discussions between Abia State officials and MTN Nigeria, and will cover the following key areas:
1. Statewide broadband coverage: Achieving 100% broadband access across Abia by the end of the year.
2. Device ownership scheme: Provision of laptops, smartphones, and Wi-Fi devices for civil servants through MTN financing.
3. Digital governance: Deployment of cloud computing and dedicated services to enhance government operations.
4. Abia Digital Mall: A hub to drive SME growth using digital tools.
5. 4G and 5G expansion: Rollout of advanced mobile services in Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia before year-end.
6. Digital marketplace: Creation of a platform for e-commerce and e-governance to empower businesses and residents.
“This initiative means that a rice farmer in Abam, a cocoa dealer in Bende, or a palm-produce trader in Ukwa East can transact and grow their businesses from the comfort of their homes,” Kanu said, expressing optimism about the state’s future in the digital economy.
In another groundbreaking move, the Commissioner revealed that the state has submitted a bid to acquire a 60% stake in the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) assets within Abia. He confirmed that negotiations are at an advanced stage and efforts are underway to ring-fence eight Local Government Areas in Abia Central and Abia North to enhance electricity distribution.
Prince Kanu also announced the upcoming launch of the EU-sponsored Solar-for-Health-Power Project, which will light up a minimum of nine health facilities across the state. Under the scheme, the EU will provide 70% funding while Abia State will contribute 30% as counterpart funding.
Additionally, he disclosed that the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has commenced a door-to-door waste collection in Aba and Umuahia, and street-to-street collection in parts of Abia North. This initiative, coupled with newly signed MoUs for circular waste economy development, has received accolades from citizens and stakeholders, both locally and abroad.
Prince Kanu also confirmed the reopening of abattoirs in Lokpanta and Uzuakoli following hygienic renovations. He urged residents to support ASEPA’s efforts by consistently paying their sanitation fees to sustain these achievements.
In sports, the Commissioner announced that Abia Warriors Football Club has made history by qualifying to play continental football for the first time. With one game remaining in the NPFL season, the club is on track to feature in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Lastly, he noted that a night of tributes will be held on Tuesday, May 13, at the JAAC Building in honour of Comrade Sunday Onwuma, the late former Commissioner for Labour and Employment. His burial will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Also present at the press briefing were Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities; Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity; and ASEPA General Manager, Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke.
