Nigeria has a population of 180 million, and more than half of them live in rural villages, which are typically scattered around vast grasslands or forests. Many people in these villages cannot enjoy the convenience of modern mobile communication. Some villagers have to walk more than ten kilometers to make a call in the town. Since 2017, MTN has begun to innovate and explore new ways to provide sustainable connectivity in these remote villages to improve villagers’ living standards. When the mobile phone tower was built in Tobolo, the entire village celebrated with joyous songs and dance. Tabolo’s village chief explained that the village was longing to connect with the outside world, especially to keep in touch with relatives who have left the village. Through mobile connectivity, people in Nigeria’s remote communities can become more educated, healthier and economically prosperous. For example, people can now call for medical help and advice, which is particularly important for pregnant women and people with long-term health issues. Connecting the unconnected in Nigeria does not end here. According to the preliminary plan, millions of Nigerian people will become connected for the first time by 2022, eliminating the digital divide so that more people can enjoy the convenience brought by wireless communications and mobile Internet.
Related SDGs:
