Telecom
Anambra Leads Southeast in Digital Governance Under Soludo’s ICT Agenda
Anambra State is quietly engineering one of Nigeria’s most ambitious transformations in public governance, one powered by artificial intelligence, expanded broadband infrastructure and deep data analytics.
Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), Managing Director, Anambra State ICT Agency, in a group photograph with media executives during a media parley in Lagos.
At the centre of this shift is Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, whose administration is redefining how government interfaces with citizens.
Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Lagos, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), the Managing Director, Anambra State ICT Agency, explained that the administration’s digital-first approach is reshaping how government engages citizens and delivers services.
Agbata said the Soludo administration is intentional about embedding technology into governance at scale.
“Governor Soludo’s vision is clear, a smarter, faster, more efficient government driven by data, innovation and citizen-focused digital tools,” he said.
Agbata noted that the state has adopted extensive data analytics to improve planning, service delivery and overall decision-making.
He explained that AI-driven analytics are now helping the government understand citizen needs, plan interventions and monitor impact more effectively.
He mentioned that the state’s previous use of data modelling in political engagement demonstrated the power of structured data but stressed that the real goal is institutionalising data culture across government, not just elections.
“We sit on rich datasets today; from demographic insights to service requests, and we are using them to build a more responsive government,” he said.
The ICT boss highlighted the state’s work on conversational AI systems that will allow citizens to interact with government easily, even in local languages.
“Whether literate or illiterate, people should soon be able to speak to AI in an indigenous language and have their requests processed,” he said.
“That’s where governance is going, and Anambra intends to lead.”
Highlighting Broadband Expansion as one of the biggest wins of Governor Soludo’s administration, Agbata emphasised that broadband penetration remains central to achieving the state’s digital agenda.
He credited Governor Soludo’s progressive Right-of-Way policy and proactive industry engagement for accelerating fibre deployment across communities.
“When ISPs begin travelling to Anambra on their own, it shows they see good policy and a viable market,” he said.
Today, more households in semi-urban communities are enjoying reliable fibre connections something CFA said was almost impossible in previous years..
CFA also disclosed that Anambra continues to pursue the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point to localise traffic and reduce cost while improving speed.
“Localising traffic means your data won’t travel to Lagos or Amsterdam before returning,” he explained.
He noted that although technical requirements have caused delays, significant progress is expected in 2026.
Agbata added that national assessments have recognised Anambra’s advancement in digitisation and reforms.
“According to BudgIT and other national bodies, Anambra ranks number one in the Southeast in ease of doing business and transparency,” he said.
He attributed the growth to healthy inter-state competition and measurable reforms championed by Governor Soludo.
Agbata praised the young professionals powering the state’s digital work, particularly in data analytics and infrastructure mapping.
He also highlighted the vital role of industry partnerships:
“Relationships matter. If we fully deploy just 20% of the relationships we have within and outside the country, Anambra would be on another level.”
He cited instances where collaboration with telecom executives led to quick fixes and infrastructure deployment in the state.
Agbata thanked the Lagos media community for their continuous support in making the Anambra’s digital revolution seen and appreciated by all.
“We don’t take your support for granted. You have helped amplify Anambra’s digital transformation story,” he said.
As Anambra deepens investments in digital infrastructure, AI systems and data-driven governance, Agbata said the state is positioning itself as the emerging technology and innovation hub of the Southeast.
“There is a generation coming that is digital-first. Our responsibility is to build systems ready for them,” he said.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted operating licences to six new Internet Service Providers (ISPs), effective January 1, 2026, raising the total number of authorised ISPs in the country to 231 from 225 recorded in December 2025.
NCC
The newly licensed firms are Intellvision Technologies Limited, Granet Technologies Limited, Fiber Sonic Limited, Dasol Solution Services Ltd, Boost ISP Limited, and Amazon Kuiper Nigeria Limited.
Five of these companies are headquartered in Lagos, while Granet Technologies Limited operates from Owerri in Imo State, highlighting the persistent concentration of broadband infrastructure in major commercial hubs like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
This development intensifies competition in Nigeria’s broadband market, which faces pressure from dominant mobile network operators such as MTN and Airtel, alongside rapid expansion by satellite providers like Starlink.
Traditional ISPs continue to grapple with shrinking customer bases, aggressive data pricing from telcos, and satellite disruptions, even as NCC data from Q2 2025 showed Spectranet, Starlink, and FibreOne controlling about 65 per cent of the 313,713 active ISP subscribers.
The inclusion of Amazon Kuiper Nigeria Limited marks a significant entry of global satellite broadband competition, building on Nigeria’s recent approvals for other low Earth orbit providers to enhance connectivity in underserved areas.
Industry analysts view the licences as a strategic push to improve internet quality amid rising demand for digital services, though geographic clustering underscores ongoing infrastructure challenges outside urban centres.
NCC’s move aligns with broader efforts to foster a competitive telecoms sector critical to Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions.
Dr Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, has revealed that the federal government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme has trained over 135,000 citizens as it moves from pilot to national level.
Tijani announced this in an update on the program’s success, stating that the beneficiaries were trained in three batches.
He also stated that the initiative’s community-based learning tools had provided over 300,000 extra learners with access to digital skills training across the country.
According to the minister, the program has also enabled the creation of about 15,000 job, entrepreneurship, and career development in Nigeria’s developing digital economy.
He further revealed that more than 1.8 million Nigerians are currently in the 3MTT pipeline, as the government works toward its target of equipping three million citizens with in-demand digital skills aligned with local and global labour market needs.
As the programme enters its scale-up phase, Tijani said the government’s focus will shift toward deepening impact rather than just expanding numbers.
Key priorities, he explained, include strengthening the 3MTT alumni community, widening access to economic opportunities and ensuring that skills acquired through the programme translate into measurable outcomes such as jobs, business creation and innovation.
To support this phase, the federal government has introduced the #3MTTImpactChallenge, an initiative aimed at assessing the programme’s real-world impact
Through the challenge, fellows and partners are invited to share personal stories on how 3MTT has shaped their professional journeys as part of a National Impact Reflection exercise.
Participants are expected to share their experiences across social media platforms, with selected winners set to receive prizes including laptops, e-tablets, data bundles and other incentives.
MTN Foundation has kicked off the seventh phase of its ICT business skills training programme, targeting more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, mostly from Nigeria’s small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), in support of the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy and SME Development agenda.
MTN Foundation
The virtual training’s first week ran from Monday, January 5, to Friday, January 9, 2026. It equips small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with simple digital tools to shift from paper-based operations to efficient, productivity-boosting systems.
Business analyst Babajide Jolaolu-Kehinde, moderated by Temiloluwa Oyekanmi, programme and partnerships lead, introduced the SWOT framework—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats—to guide participants in assessing and improving their businesses.
Jolaolu-Kehinde stressed digital record-keeping, online payments, and customer data tracking for measurable growth, aligning with government efforts to formalise SMEs. “Hope is good, but action and systems make growth happen,” he said.
Trainers showcased real-world examples: traders using handwritten ledgers expanded reach via WhatsApp Business, online marketplaces, and spreadsheets; others grew by accepting mobile transfers over cash and digital orders to tap distant markets.
Manual operations limit sales visibility and customer insights, experts noted, while digital tools deliver real-time data, cut errors, and unlock broader markets.
Participants must adopt at least one digital tool post-onboarding, with organisers promising follow-up workshops and mentorship. The four-week programme aims to bolster SME growth and Nigeria’s economic goals.
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