In a groundbreaking move to position Abia State as a front-runner in Nigeria’s digital economy, the Abia State Government (ABSG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, to drive the digital transformation of the state.
The signing ceremony took place on Monday, May 12, 2025, when the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Karl Toriola, led a delegation to the Government House, Umuahia, for a high-level engagement with Governor Alex Otti and his executive team.
Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation to MTN for choosing Abia as a strategic partner in advancing digital inclusion.
He highlighted that the proposal for the partnership was initiated in 2023, in the early days of his administration, with the vision of transforming Abia into a technology-driven, digitally-enabled economy.
“This partnership will not only empower our youth and entrepreneurs but also deepen the digital infrastructure that will drive efficient governance and stimulate socio-economic growth. I assure MTN of our full cooperation to make this a success story,” Governor Otti stated.
During the presentation, the MTN technical team outlined the five key pillars of the partnership:
1. Universal 3G Broadband Access: Ensuring that the entire population of Abia State has at least 3G broadband coverage.
2. Cloud Computing Solutions: Provision of dedicated cloud and value-added services to support government operations.
3. Digital Marketplace: Development of a comprehensive digital marketplace platform for merchants in Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, and other commercial hubs.
4. Device Ownership Scheme: Distribution of MiFi devices, smartphones, tablets, and laptops to civil servants to facilitate mobile Internet and voice communication.
5. Advanced Network Coverage: Rollout of 4G and 5G services in key urban centres as agreed with the State Government.
One of the standout elements of the collaboration is the unveiling of the Aba Brand E-Commerce Platform, a robust online marketplace developed and funded by MTN. The platform titled “Abia to the World Market” will enable local merchants to showcase and sell their products globally, featuring digital storefronts, secure payment systems, and integrated logistics, all at no cost to the users.
Speaking at the event, MTN Nigeria CEO Mr. Karl Toriola described Abia as “Nigeria’s most illustrious state,” expressing deep excitement about the partnership. “We are fully committed to supporting this vision of digital inclusion and innovation, and we believe this collaboration will deliver far-reaching benefits to Abia’s people and economy,” he affirmed.
This milestone partnership is expected to catapult Abia into the digital age, fostering innovation, efficiency in governance, and inclusive prosperity for all Abians.
The signing ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu; and Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D.
